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Showing posts with label Obey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Obey. Show all posts
If you have children of your own, or spend any amount of time with children, you undoubtedly are familiar with that blank and puzzled face staring deep into your soul. That face that is soon followed by the question “you want us to do what?” Whether it is an inability to understand the command given, a stubborn streak leading them to disobey, or a failure to hear the full command, our children often do not want to do what we ask of them.
Although excuses can be endless, the most grumbling heard in our house is when what is asked of them is not easy or popular, or requires them to step out of their normal routine. Regardless of what is asked, I am met with resistance. However, as often is the case, our children are simply acting like us.
There are many times we share the same thoughts and feelings about God. Whether it’s after time spent reading His Word or listening to a message, reactions such as: “You want us to do what?” “That’s too hard, I can’t do that.” or “People will think I’m crazy.” flood our mind as we grasp for a good reason not to walk in obedience to His command.
Here again, some advice your mother gave you is very appropriate. “no matter how bad you think you have it, someone else has it worse.” Consider for a moment those first disciples of Christ. On what would prove to be their last full week with their master, Christ asked them to do a crazy, difficult, and odd thing. Listen to Christ command in Matthew 21. “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
Consider this. Christ asked them to go into an unfamiliar village where they would find a donkey (note he never told them where it was). To take it, and bring it to Him. If they are seen, simply to say that I (Jesus) need it. Truly this is a hard command to digest. Something truly out if the ordinary, something crazy, extremely difficult, and requiring a large portion of faith and trust in Christ and His Word.
Faced with a hard (and seemingly illegal task) of finding and taking a donkey, armed with the simple word of Christ (the Lord needs it) and His Promise (he will send them right away) the disciples were faced with an important decision to obey or not. What raced through their minds we may never know, but Matthew 21:6 records their actions, “The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.” They chose to obey Christ’s commands, and because of their action another prophecy was fulfilled as Christ rode into Jerusalem like a King.
As followers of Christ, we are often faced with hard things to do. Instructions that seem crazy, impossible, and down right odd. It can be easy to look at the many unknowns, the difficulties, or to wonder what others will say if they see us, and reason that it’s better not to follow it. Yet, just as the disciples, we too are sent with Christ’s authority, equipped with the Word (or answer) of Christ, and have the promise of Him going before us and working out the result. May we too respond like the two disciples in faith and obedience; doing all just as Jesus has instructed us.
Focus on the God who can, and not on the self who won't.
Labels: Children, Christ, Devotions, Disciples, Donkey, Easter, God, Hard Things, Holy Week, Hosanna, Jerusalem, Jesus, King, Matthew 21:1-11, Obedience, Obey, Palm Sunday, Triumphal Entry, Trust, You Want Us To Do What?
A few weeks ago my oldest daughter turned six years old. I can hardly believe it; for it seems just like yesterday that I was rushing my wife to the hospital as her contractions increased. But alas, my girl is growing up.
As my daughter ages, the more responsibility she desires. Often, I can see it on her face, wishing she was old enough to make her own decisions; old enough to no longer take direction or obey her parents.
I remember having similar thoughts as well. Thinking how great it must be for adults not having someone constantly telling them what to do, where to go, how to act. How easy they had it: for they didn’t have to obey anyone.
I recall longing for those days as a teenager. Counting down until I turned 18 and was finally an adult, no longer answering to anyone; especially my parents. I waited with anticipation for the time when I could decide for myself what to do, when to go to bed, and where to eat. I imagined a life free from authority, free from accountability, and free from any correction. A time where the only one I had to obey was myself.
However, I soon learned my thinking was wrong. Accountability never ceases, for “each of us will give an account of himself to God” Romans 14:12. Obedience (especially to God) transcends age, and much to my disappointment, never gets easier. Abraham learned this lesson as well. In Genesis 17 God entered into a special covenant with Abraham and his decedents. According to Genesis 17:9-14 the sign of this covenant was circumcision, and any uncircumcised male would be cut off from God’s blessing. Abraham wasted no time. Later that day he, his son Ishmael, and every male in his household was circumcised.
Abraham was no spring chicken. Genesis 17:24 says “Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised.” Yep that’s right ninety-nine years old!
God didn’t give Abraham a pass because of his age. No, he still required Abraham to obey his command and walk according to His covenant. This couldn’t have been easy or desirable! No one would have blamed a man who had lived nearly a century to attempt to escape such a request. Yet, Abraham didn’t, nor did he even raise a slight objection or complaint. Instead, out of respect, love, devotion, and gratefulness for God, Abraham obeyed and insisted his household do the same!
As we age, it can easy to let compromise creep in. To allow things in our home and our life that we would have never before. Yet, that isn’t right. God doesn't change his requirements, or have different expectations because we are older. No. His Law remains the same. Regardless of our age, His Word still demands our attention and obedience. His grace and mercy continue to require a response. Age is never an excuse for disobedience or dishonor.
While no longer accountable to our parents, or possibly no longer have impressionable children at home, we are still accountable to God. Our lives should still be a living sacrifice to Him. May we walk in His ways by His grace each day of our life.
Labels: Abraham, Accountability, Adults, Bible, Circumcision, Compromise, Covenant, Devotions, Freedom, Genesis 17, God, Growing Up, Ishmael, Law, Obedience, Obedience Transcends Age, Obey, Parents, Romans 14:12, Teenager
“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28
“Sugar and spice and everything nice.”
This may be what makes up little girls, but what is the recipe for a good Mom? Parenting Magazine recently published an article aimed at answering this question. Although this article may bring some encouragement and balance the scales of what it truly means to be a mom, I wonder is flexibility, risk taking, and understanding yourself and your own mother are the true ingredients for Motherhood? Will the right measurements of each produce a “good mom?”
A better recipe is found in Luke 1:26-38. A recipe for a “Highly Favored Mother.” Like all good recipes this one is short, easy to follow, and only has three ingredients.
- A Mother Hears God’s Word. In Luke 1:26-36 God’s Word is revealed to Mary through the word of the angel Gabriel. Despite her initial reactions (fear and confusion v29) she stayed and listened.
- A Mother Believes God’s Word. The message was truly beyond belief. She would give birth to a son. How could this be, Mary thought, for she was a virgin? So she asked, and waited for a reply. Soon it was given (35-37) - she would conceive by the Holy Spirit. This was not only hard to understand, but was also shameful; for Mary had no husband and ran the risk of losing the one promised to her. Despite all of that she believed.
- Mother Obey’s God Word. In verse 38 Mary simply replied “I am the Lord’s Servant. May it be to me as you have said.” She understood her role was to walk in obedience to the Lord’s Word and Will. She didn’t argue or bargain just obeyed. This is seen in the rest of Luke chapters one and two.
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