Saturday, August 6
Obey me
Scripture: Jeremiah 11-12, Psalm 91, Revelation 9
Jeremiah 11:3–5 Tell them, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “Let a curse be on the man who does not obey the words of this covenant, 4 which I commanded your ancestors when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace.” I declared, “Obey me, and do everything that I command you, and you will be my people, and I will be your God,” 5 in order to establish the oath I swore to your ancestors, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is today.’ ”
Observation
“Obey me.”
God called Israel into covenant relationship. “You will be my people and I will be your God.” They agreed to obey God’s word, and He promised to bless them abundantly. But they consistently broke the covenant by idolatry which led to immorality and injustice. The prophets all called Israel to repentance—to turn back to God, back to covenant, back to obedience. “Obey me.” This was God’s plea through the prophets.
God’s purpose in asking us them to obey was their benefit. Life works best when we do it God’s way. We flourish. His commands are for our good, and we ignore them to our own harm.
“Obey me.” This is not a petulant parent demanding obedience, but a loving Father pleading with us for our own good.
We pray, “May your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” To do God’s will—what He wants—is to obey His commands. And when we do that, we are bringing His kingdom, His reign to earth, even if in a small way.
Application
Pretty obvious application: Obey God. Do what He says. Do what He says in His word. Do what the Spirit says. Do what you know is God’s will.
“What do You want me to do in this situation?” Then do it.
Obey God. You’ll flourish when you do and the blessing will spill over for those around you.
Prayer: Such a simple thing, but easier said than done. Help me today Lord to obey You, to do Your will, to do what I know is right.