Good morning good people may the Lord give you grace and peace in the Holy Spirit.
It is 17th January 2022. We reflect on
To obey God does not exclude humanity. Obedience is the sacrifice that pleases God. Discerning and doing the will of God is the goal of our Christian life.
No act including sacrifices can replace obedience. What is obedience then? Obedience is to listen without interruptions and internalize the spirit of the speaker and translate into normal, healthy, and just relationships.
God asked the king of Israel to deal with the enemies. But Saul, the king did what was right and suitable for him. Disobedience displeases God. God regrated for making Saul king. In that perspective, God reminds the king through the prophet Samuel, “Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Sam.15:22).
When we have power or we are on the throne of authority, it is easy to preach, teach and expect others to be obedient. We can offer so many adjectives such as blind, straightforward, prideful, begrudging, heartfelt, fearful, dutiful to obedience to prove our points for and against obedience. Does it help in any way by explaining it?
True and authentic obedience in its practice infringes our likes and wishes in prioritizing God’s. Loving obedience comes by being the person God expects us to be.
When obedience is hypocritical, it remains ritualistic however the intentions are noble. “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28).
Jesus reprimands the Pharisees for their hypocritical stance on fasting. When our fasting and prayers are only softening consciences, not convictions and moral correctness, we continue to justify what we do not listen to the voice of God.
May the Lord help us to obey the Word of God. God bless you.