Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13: 17, NIV.
Dear God, please show us the many blessings that are to be found in obeying You. In the name of Jesus we humbly pray. Amen.
I know that we could have a lot of reason to argue with the title of our devotional today. Many can say, and cite evidence, of instances when obedience did not bring them happiness; at least, not as a direct result of their obedience. Joseph was obedient to his principles of morality, and virtuous living; and what did he receive? Several years in prison. Daniel and the the three Hebrew young men were obedient to their God, and what were the results? Being cast into a lion’s den. Being placed in a furnace that was heated seven times hotter than usual, respectively. How many of you can recall experiences in your lives, when, because you chose to be obedient, got what you considered “the short end of the stick.” How many of you can think of that “dream job you never got, or had to give up because you wanted to “keep the Sabbath holy.” “Therefore, if we were to base our assumption on immediate results, we could reach what would be considered a logical conclusion, that that declaration was incorrect. Permit me however, to remind you, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength” (1 Corinthians 1: 25).
In my years of serving in God’s church – while watching the controversy rage between good and evil, I have noticed, time and again, that when people know the truth, and do (practice) it, the result, is not a momentary, but a lasting, joy! There have been times, when God has shown us His will for our lives, and we resist it (I am talking about Mabel now). Nevertheless, the moment we decide, “Lord, come what may, I am going to obey You,” the peace and joy that overtakes the soul, is priceless!
In the Book Acts of the Apostles, we find at least two notable encounters with truth. The experience of the Ethiopian eunuch, and that of Saul of Tarsus, in chapters 8 and 9, respectively! I do not see any signs of the Ethiopian eunuch resisting truth. You get the impression that he was simply a seeker of truth, (8: 31). The Word of God says that he had gone to Jerusalem to worship (27). When the Holy Spirit told Philip to go where the eunuch was, he obeyed. After teaching him the way of the Lord, the eunuch requested baptism, and Philip baptized him (36-38,). The last we read of the eunuch was that, “he went on his way rejoicing” (39, emphasis provided). The end result of his obedience to truth, was joy!
We read of Saul of Tarsus, “Meanwhile Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest, and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem” (9: 1, 2). What a difference in personalities. Both men in high positions; men of authority. One seeking for truth, and finding joy! The other, fighting against truth, and full of anger and hatred! The fact that Saul immediately asked “Lord, what do you desire me to do?” gives me the impression that he knew that what he was doing was not right. Thank God, Saul, soon to become Paul, was now willing to obey. He was willing to surrender his agenda, to God, and allow the Lord to lead him. By the time God sends Ananias to lay his hands on brother Saul, peace has already begun to have its effect on his life. The Word of God informs us that, “he [was] praying” (11).
By the time Paul had come to the end of his journey, he was a different man. The joy of the Lord, had permeated his soul. He was not afraid of death. His testimony was: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4: 7, 8). If you are in search of instant gratification, you might not find virtue in this principle. If you are seeking for “joy everlasting,” you will find that, “obedience brings not only happiness, but lasting joy!
NOTE: In the following days there may be some rather late publications. For this I offer you my regrets. I am coming to the end of a very important project, which will require much of my time. Nevertheless, I enjoy, my moments of meditation, and will continue to share them with, “whosoever will.” My heartfelt gratitude to the faithful friends who are always there to share these moments. I cherish Your faithfulness and friendship!
Blessings,
Mabel