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Last week we looked at some of the reasons behind the Biblical expectation of obedience. This week we’ll look at practical ways our behavior impacts our lives by examining some scriptural examples available to us.

Jesus asks, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” And explains that, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven , but only he who does the will of my Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21 (See also Luke 6:46-49) If we agree that obedience is good, then maybe we should identify disobedience. Why? Because at times it can be something less than obvious, bad behavior or evil acts not the only definition of disobedience; Jesus cautioning that, “Anyone… who knows the good he ought to do and does not do it, sins.” as well. James 4:17

For example:

1 Chronicles 13:7-14,15:1-3,11-15 record King David’s attempt to move the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Along the way they experience difficulties resulting in death. After a more thorough examination of the proper way of doing things, the move was completed successfully amid much rejoicing. Why was following a prescribed way so important? To show reverence for God and his instructions; his commands held within this symbol of authority. Uzzah was an innocent bystander and casualty, but punishing consequences were due because the right way was not followed. (The innocent frequently harmed alongside the guilty.) How we handle God and his word is important! ( 2 Timothy 2:15) That which represented his word and will was not to be thrown in a cart and dragged across the countryside for the very reason that it might be dumped out in the dirt. It was to be carried on the shoulders of men, direct responsibility taken to insure proper respect for God and His Law.

Exodus 4:24,25 depicts a sometimes confusing scene. Moses had been commanded to go back to Egypt to secure the release of the Israelites. Along the way an angel confronted him, threatening to kill him. Only after his wife circumcised their two sons is he left alone and allowed to go about his business. What was that all about? Circumcision had been declared necessary for all males as a sign of cutting away, setting apart, being different. Besides many health benefits for males and females, it was demanded as a sign of covenant relationship between Jehovah and Israel. ( Genesis 17:9-14) Moses, having failed to circumcise his sons (by a Midianite wife) left himself open to question by those about to follow him, setting a bad example of disobedience. (Even if by careless disregard rather than by intent.) This can never be tolerated in men chosen to lead. Any sign of weakness or failure will be used by others to excuse their own willful behavior and disobedience.

Exodus 17:1-6 and Numbers 20:1-12record two occurrences that were very similar but in subtle points vastly different, with striking results in terms of reward and punishment. In both incidents, people are thirsty. In a desert, no water in sight, they go to Moses demanding relief. Moses prays, is told what to do – takes the rod he used to strike the Nile River, producing “blood” – this time – striking a rock and producing water. He did so in both places. The problem being that in the second incident he was instructed to speak to the rock. What’s the difference? Hitting the rock worked the first time, why not again? The question is who is receiving the attention, the glory – being listened to and obeyed – man or God? Moses was angry. The people of Israel were gathered around he and Aaron. Calling them rebels, Moses asked “..must we bring you water out of this rock?” Must we? Not, ‘Watch as God does this thing’ but, must we? Israel was tempted over and again to substitute a man or other man-made images for the one true God. Moses is practically worshipped as the great law-giver of Israel yet today. Only God was worthy. As a consequence, Moses was denied entry into the promised land.

Joshua 6 depicts the fall of Jericho through a week-long routine of marching, horn blowing and shouting. As a result the walls fall supernaturally, again reminding the Israelites of all they could accomplish – when they followed God’s will. Could he have brought the walls down another way? Absolutely! But the lesson here was that their participation in obedience, their willingness to obey even if they didn’t understand, was proof of their faithfulness and instilled an even deeper sense of confidence in God as a result of what happened. Sometimes we won’t understand until we obey, which often leads to greater responsibility and opportunities to serve.

Leviticus 10:1,2records a rather bizarre story. It deals with “unauthorized” fire. Either out of carelessness or unconcerned neglect, Nadab and Abihu – Aaron’s sons – were serving as attending priests and offered incense in a way other than prescribed; as a result they were severely punished. Why? If the priests and the nation’s rulers, those looked to for guidance and inspiration could go so casually about their business, the people would soon cease to care at all. That is why James cautions us about assuming the position of teaching others without first considering God’s strict expectations. “…, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” James 3:1 This burden of obedience actually falling on us all, Peter referring to the persecution Christians were experiencing in his day to judgment, matter-of-factly stating, “…it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel?” 1 Peter 4:17

Genesis 19:1-29 At the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, those being saved – Lot and his family – were told to flee and not look back. They were already in a place they shouldn’t have been but were now instructed to flee for their lives, not looking back at what was and what might be again. When fleeing evil, we can’t look back at it and lament it’s loss, getting one more look at its illusion of beauty to be remembered and entrapped in again. We are to flee it, get away from it – let it burn and be removed from our lives. Lot’s wife didn’t, suffering tragedy in the midst of salvation.

The Old Testament is not alone in its examples of partial obedience bringing hardship and punishment. One New Testament example in particular highlights the subtle way people choose to sin. Many in the early church, because of persecution and the poor state of early converts in general, had resorted to a communal type of living; bringing what little they had to be shared with those who had even less. Ananias and Sapphira sold some property, kept some of the money back while bringing the rest to the Apostles, apparently telling them it was all they had. Notice that scripture says they sold a piece of property, not necessarily all they had; and that nowhere does it say they were commanded to do so. It would appear to have been an attempt to win the admiration of others with no real risk to themselves. The point is – they lied. Not so much by what they said, but by what they didn’t say. Sound familiar? The price for their lie was their lives. Acts 5:1-10 (See Matthew 6:1-18 – about ostentatious giving, praying and fasting, as well as Acts 8:9-24 – concerning Simon the Sorcerer’s presumptuous attempt to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. All dealing with people’s attempts to create an image as opposed to cultivating a frame of mind.)

God expects obedience. In reality he demands it, with a promise of blessing in return. “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:17

"Bible verse and quote" from Jan Couns

Bible and Quote - March 11-15