Trust and Obey [Concluding Thoughts]

Bible Reading: Psalm 1

I would like us to share some thoughts as we conclude the series on obedience. We have emphasized the importance of obedience in our walk and fellowship with God. In fact, every blessing in God’s kingdom is predicated upon fulfilling a certain condition attached to it. If the conditions are met, then you will receive the blessing. For instance, in our memory verse, God was speaking to the Israelites through prophet Isaiah that, “if ye are willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land”. It shows that willingness and obedience are the conditions required to eat the good of the land. And should they disobey, there are consequences. Also, accessing eternal life requires obeying the laid down rule “For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in HIM [Jesus Christ] shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). How much we rob ourselves when we disobey God and refuse to discipline ourselves to obey God’s word!

Jesus learnt obedience from what he suffered (Hebrews 5:8). Obedience will cost you something. The idea that obedience won’t cost you anything is not biblical. If you want to obey God, you have to be ready to let go of something— it may cost you your sleep, your time, your money etc.

Also, obedience is a choice. A willingness to adhere and follow certain instructions. Our Bible reading today presents us with two kinds of life, two possibilities and two choices that require making a decision. “Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favoured by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] mediates day and night” (Psalms 1:1-2, AMP). Did you know it takes obedience not to walk in the counsel of the wicked? It requires a conscious effort to delight in the law of the Lord and meditate in God’s word. This is how God instructed Joshua: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8 KJV). May we be a generation of obedient followers of Jesus Christ. May we be totally yielded unto God so that we can follow Him without any hesitation.

Daily Confession: I trust and obey you God wholeheartedly in Jesus name.

Intercessory prayer: Pray for a fresh hunger for God in our churches, spiritual sensitivity for the end time and grace for supplication for God’s people.

Hymn: Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.