In my daily devotions, I've recently read the first five books of the Bible again. Over and over in those chapters that deal with the nation of Israel, the theme that is emphasized is obedience. God promised to bless Israel if they were obedient. But He also promised a curse for disobedience. I know that's hard for us to imagine, but Deuteronomy 11:26-28 says, "See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse - the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known."
Although there are specific instructions in the Pentateuch that apply only to Israel, including some of the consequences for disobedience, the principle is still an important one for all of God's people. God expects obedience and He rewards it. He also makes it clear that disobedience is not acceptable.
Obedience to God requires submission to His will, not ours. But there is freedom and joy in obedience. Having an uninterrupted, intimate relationship with our heavenly Father is a delight. Living with a clear conscience produces peace.
On the other hand, God's desire is for us to avoid the guilt and shame and negative consequences of disobedience. Those consequences can feel like a curse. And that's not what God wants for us.
We may not experience a "curse" or immediate consequences every time we commit a sin, but how many struggles could we have avoided had we been obedient to the Lord? Joy, peace and contentment come from obedience. These are just a few of the blessings of obedience.
0 comments:
Post a Comment