LOVINGLY OBEDIENT OR NOT

LOVINGLY OBEDIENT OR NOT

“As for you, son of man, your people are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.’ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. —Ezekiel 33:30-32

To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. —I Peter 1:1-2

            Am I a fool or am I wise? There are two types of people in this world and only these two. The fool hears the Word of God and does not put it into everyday practice. But the wise man hears the same Word of God and does put it into practice in everyday life (Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49). The passages above speak to disobedience and obedience.

            In the Ezekiel passage the people want to hear, but they do not want to obey. This is an on-going situation. They hear, they speak of love, but their hearts are not focused on doing God’s will.   They are selfish and self-centered.   These people are listening to God’s Word just as they would a “love song.” They hear, they like the sound, but what is said really means nothing to them.   They live on in their disobedience.

            Those who are followers of our Lord are “to be obedient to Jesus Christ.” That is what we are called to. We belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The cost He paid for us is an eternal cost (I Peter 1:18-21). “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again (II Corinthians 5:15).

            So, I have to reflect on my life and ask— “Who am I really living for— myself or Jesus?” How would you answer that question? Oh, let us live in loving obedience to Jesus who loves us with an everlasting love.   Yes, let us live for Him! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8Sx_U0Ztr8

Dear Father may I be lovingly obedient in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus. May this be so!