ODJ: why disobey?

August 28, 2015 

READ: Hebrews 11:7-12 

He obeyed God (v.7).

Why should I obey this commandment from God? I pondered. Is it because the consequences of disobeying Him would be bad? Hmm, but is that all? Ah, I see it now—my thinking was turned around. I should have asked, “Why would I disobey?”

For Noah and Abraham, obedience was their default mode. They believed in God and did what He said. Noah had the task of building a huge ark, one that his family of eight could occupy for several months. Of course they also had to share their accommodations with animals of all types and species! It took Noah 120 years to complete his big building project. Think of the excuses that Noah could have used to argue with God: “It will cost too much.” “It’s not feasible.” “It will take too long.”

But Noah trusted in God. So he gave himself fully to his work, showing a heart of faith and obedience (Hebrews 11:7). He showed us that faith believes and obeys God and His Word.

Abraham was about 75 when God called him. While people lived longer at that time than we do today, he still wasn’t a young man. But when God said He needed to follow His instructions and experience a major life change, he left his familiar surroundings and ventured into an unknown place with his family (v.8). Questions such as these probably filled his mind: will Sarai be able to adapt to the new environment? Are the foreigners friendly? Nonetheless, God had called and Abraham obeyed.

—Poh Fang Chia

365-day-plan: John 12:1-11

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In Romans 1:5 and 16:26, note what Paul reveals about the connection between belief and obedience. 
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Is your faith marked by obedience? How can our faith be deepened as we choose to follow God and His Word consistently?