God loves obedient action.
When my wife was a young girl she used to ask her dad, “What would you like for Christmas?” His response was always, “Good children”. For parents and teachers alike, this I’m sure is a common wish. There is something special when there is unity, obedience and kindness in any community.
God loves obedience. In 2 Chronicles 16:9 we read, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” Unfortunately, like in Noah’s day, there were few found who reached this standard.
Abraham is a central pillar of many faiths. There was something about his faith that pleased God, enough to make him the heir of the promise for all generations that came from him. In Genesis 12, God said “Go”, and Abram went. This obedience continued throughout Abraham’s life. When God asked him to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22, we see the strength of his faith.
In Matthew 4:18-20, we read of the obedience of the first disciples. Jesus said, “Come follow me”. At once they left their nets and followed. Contrast this to Luke 9:59, where a follower left Jesus to sort out his family business, as his first priority. Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit to serve in the kingdom of God.” Jesus’ message was clear. Seeking first the Kingdom of God is the standard of faithful obedience God is drawn to.
Abraham took a step of faith to believe that the direction and plan God had for him was the best way to live his life. There are lots of trials he faced where fear took over. But he chose to walk in obedience.
This week, as you face your own trials and difficulties, take time to ask God for his direction in your life. Then ask God for the courage to follow his guiding with obedience.
We finish with a reminder of the verse in Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
