I am suffering in this world. I get along and feel the persecution that comes my way. How can I continue to suffer when there are those that are getting so much in this world and it seems as though they have it so easy?

“⁹And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.” – Hebrews 5:9 (ESV)

And there you have it. Jesus is my example of how I should continue in this world. He is my savior through His actions of death on a cross. He suffered immensely before His death, both immediately and throughout His life. He was tested, ridiculed, beaten, and eventually crucified for living life in obedience to God the Father. What did He do wrong, nothing. He was a non-sinner among sinners and yet He still held to the role he was given as “priest forever” (Hebrews 5:6 (ESV)).

I am no priest, but I am an inherited child of God and that is what I have to hold on to. Priests of biblical times were just men and were priest of men. They were really no different than I am today in that as men, they still suffered and sacrificed.

“¹For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. ²He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. ³Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.” – Hebrews 5:1-3 (ESV)

Jesus suffered and sacrificed for me just as the priests did for the people. The difference is that He did not have to suffer and sacrifice for Himself as He was/is already perfect and never did/will sin. I have an obligation to continue my suffering for God and in obedience to Him. I have to also remember that like the priest of biblical times, I will be sacrificing for others so that they can grow closer to God, but I am also sacrificing and suffering for myself. I must be the vessel through which God works here in this world, and therefore I am obligated to to His will regardless of the consequences that this world brings upon me.

When you find yourself suffering, where does your heart and mind turn? Are you aware that you just may be the one designed to suffer and sacrifice for those around you? When you suffer, are you still willing to obey God for the good of others and yourself?

“⁶since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,…⁸in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. ⁹They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,” – 2 Thessalonians 1:6, 8-9 (ESV)

Wow, now that is a significant punishment for disobedience. I know that for me, when I weigh the consequences of my actions I am more likely to avoid those negative consequences in favor of those that are less destructive.

What I see here is that the way to avoid the destruction that comes from the wrath of God is to avoid that wrath by obeying Him and following the commands He has for me. There are The Ten Commandments and especially the greatest of those as identified by Jesus Himself:

“³⁶Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?, ³⁷And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ³⁸This is the great and first commandment. ³⁹And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Matthew 22:36-39 (ESV)

It is hard to obey at all times and that is why I am thankful to have the ability to repent and continuously beg for forgiveness. I do not know all of the sins that I commit each day, but I do know that I am a sinner and for that I need forgiveness. I will strive to obey and avoid destruction as identified in 2 Thessalonians, but the truth is I will continue to fail and NEED the salvation provided to me through Jesus Christ.

Where are you as pertains to your obedience to Christ? Are you aware of your failures and are you consciously disobeying Him? What if you were to avoid the active disobedience and followed the commandments of Christ, would you like to avoid destruction?

Over the past couple of years I have found it hard to understand where I stand in this world. Even just this weekend I was feeling a complete lack of acknowledgment and under appreciation. I bust my tail every day doing that which I am instructed to do and when the day ends, I have accomplished the work, only to be handed more with feels like I am simply a tool that does a job.

Being treated as a tool or machine that is there to complete a task is very discouraging and even a bit demoralizing. I do work that gets results feeling a lack of acceptance or even being acknowledged does nothing for my mental or emotional state each day.

“⁵Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ,…⁸knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.” – Ephesians 6:5 & 8 (ESV)

Paul explains to the Church at Ephesus that it is their duty to do the work for Christ and not man. Yes, as “slaves” or employees we do have work to do for our employers, but that work is not what give us our rewards in heaven. That work is simply the place where we display the work we do for Christ. We are chosen to complete work for Christ that only we are chosen to do. Where we accomplish that work is already known and where we are is the place to complete that work.

It is right for us to do the work of the Lord everywhere were go and are. I have to remember that the work given me by God is for His glory and not mine. Christ has me in a place to impact that place the way He has for me to impact it. I am to continue carrying out His work regardless of the reward or acknowledgment I do or do not receive.

What is right is right and where I accomplish that is where I am. God’s commands are more important than the commands of those of this world. I have a duty as Paul notes to obey my worldly masters, but that is only in so much as that is where I have been tasked with doing the work of God.

“⁶not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, ⁷rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man,” – Ephesians 6:6-7 (ESV)

I am of God, and that is where my ultimate allegiance lies. I will please Him in His eyes. I have a duty to obey those in this world, only as that does not conflict with what is right in the eyes of God. I obey the Lord first and do His work as it is right and good.

When you are in the world, where are your allegiances? Who is it that you are in obedience to? Will you obey the Lord, wherever you are because it is right?

As a father/parent, I have a duty to upbringing of my boys. God entrusted me to raise them in His likeness and to lead them to Him.

“⁴Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)

Paul writes to the parents at Ephesus to remind them of the duty of raising their children. I points out that as fathers, they are to make sure that the children are instructed to follow the discipline of Christ as they progress through this world.

I know that as that father/parent, I struggle with the proper approach to raising my boys and I can only have faith that they will demonstrate the love of God as they grow into adulthood and strike out on their own. I have done my level best to get them to this point and have to believe that what they took away will continue to lead them in the path that God has in store for them.

Paul did not just write to the parents of Ephesus, or rather to me, he also directed words and instruction to the children.

“¹Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” – Ephesians 6:1 (ESV)

I think that a good number of us have heard and/or used the first 4 words in verse 1 above, I know that I have. And Paul is correct in that children are to obey their parents as the immediate authority in their lives when they are growing up. But, the next 3 words are where the real work is done and I suspect that they are overlooked a good percentage of the time.

In verse 4 of the same passage, Paul writes as to the “instruction of the Lord”. And here in verse 1 he writes “in the Lord”. I am sure that those 3 words from verse 1 are not at the top of mind when children are hearing from their parents at the point of learning and growing. I know that even I as a child and parent have not always been looking for God at every turn of the parental/child life cycle. I should be/have been.

I know now and knew then that my mother is a God fearing woman and I believe that my boys know that of me as well. I have to admit that I was and still am a man and am blinded by the idea that I am the one in charge in my home and that everyone should be listening to me. What I have to go back to is that I am not in charge and that everything I have or am has been provided by God, and for that He deserves my obedience.

With my obedience to the Lord and when I am instructing my boys in the discipline of the Lord, I have satisfied my duty here in this world. I can now leave the learning and growing to my boys and I must have faith that when they need something, they will come to me and I will be able to lead them to Christ where they will be able to find all of the answers.

When you were a child or even as a parent, where did you lean for instruction and discipline? Where you able to look at situations in the interest of finding the answers in and of the Lord? Are you looking to be obedient to the Lord and live with the instructions He provides?

“¹⁶Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” – Romans 6:16 (ESV)

I am a slave or in the context of these verses, a bondservant. I obey the one I serve, and in return I receive what is due. I may not “deserve” what I receive, but I will receive regardless. I have the chance to serve either sin or I can serve God, and what I receive is in line with where my service is directed.

“¹⁹I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slave to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.” – Romans 6:19 (ESV)

Paul points out here that I was a slave to sin at one time and that through the gift of salvation I have moved my servant-hood from sin to God and that leads to my rewards in heaven. As a sinner, I deserve death, but the gift of salvation from God is way more than I deserve and for that, I owe my obedience to God who gave to me.

“²³For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23 (ESV)

Where are you finding your obedience? Are you being led to the path of death by being a slave to sin? What if you were to accept the free gift of salvation and instead be a slave to God?

It is easy for me to sit here in all of my Christianity, covered in the blood of Christ, to condemn others for the actions they take in this world. I am better than you because of where I am. But, am I?

“¹Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” – Romans 2:1 (ESV)

I am really no different than everyone else in this world. I am a sinner just the same, and as such, I have no claim to being “better” than anyone.

“³Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?…⁵But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s judgment will be revealed.” – Romans 2:3 & 5 (ESV)

As I read this morning, when judging others, I am simply preparing myself for the full wrath of God. I am not demonstrating any better character, I am just the same.

But, I have an out and escape. I can avoid the judging of other, repent for my transgressions, and focus my attention on obedience to God’s commands for my life. When I do, I store up rewards in heaven as opposed to additional wrath of God.

“⁶He will render to each one according to his works: ⁷to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; ⁸but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.” – Romans 2:6-8 (ESV)

God only wants me to follow Him and do the works He has in store for me. When I am concerning myself with the actions of others, I cannot be focused on the work God has in store for me. I am simply to obey God’s commands for me in my life and leave it to Him to judge and deal with those that are outside of His will. God is the judge for me and all others in this world. For me I should simply work to please Him through obedience to His will.

What are you concerned with? Are you looking at others and passing judgment on them for the very actions that you may be doing only behind closed doors? What would it be like for you to simply obey God and allow Him to be the judge of others?

Announcing/proclaiming to others where I stand was no easy task a number of years ago. Even though I was saved over 35 years ago, I was not in the habit of letting everyone know where I stood in reference to God. It was not until a few years ago when I chose the word “stand” as my word of the year that I became more assertive and outspoken with regard to my relationship with Christ.

“²⁹But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men. ³⁰The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. ³¹God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³²And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.’” – Acts 5:29-32 (ESV)

In the verses above, Peter and the apostles were stating their case as to why it was they were preaching and teaching the gospel even after being jailed and freed by the Holy Spirit. They found themselves standing for Christ and proclaiming Him even though they were fairly certain of the outcome for doing so. Yet, it was through their faith and obedience they continued in their actions of announcing their relationship with God.

How about that, being so committed to Christ to do His will even in the face of certain punishment. Not only obeying God, but doing so overtly and making sure that everyone was aware as to where their loyalties lie, with Christ.

After some discussion the apostles were punished and sent out.

““³⁸So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; ³⁹but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, ⁴⁰and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. ⁴¹Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. ⁴²And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” – Acts 5:38-42 (ESV)

My eyes and thoughts go to the last 2 verses above where the apostles know that they did right by sticking with God and even though they were told not to continue teaching and preaching, they continued to obey God by doing just that which man told them not to.

For me, I have to be bolder still in my proclamation of God in my life. I have to let it known that I am following and obeying God. Not that the laws and actions set out by man are wrong, but that my accountability is to God and not man. I am bound to obedience of my heavenly Father and less so to the laws of man.

When you are out in the world, who is it that you proclaim to obey? Are you concealing your obedience to God for the sake of saving face to man? Are you willing to proclaim your obedience to God even in the face of certain punishment?

“³⁶Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” – John 3:36 (ESV)

How is it that we avoid the wrath of God? Well, it is pretty simple when you look at Gods Word. We are to obey Him and accept the gift of salvation He provides.

I am a sinner and will not claim to be anything but. I am also a child of God and have claimed my gift of salvation. Now it is my duty to obey and remain in God.

John the Baptist made it very known to those that followed him that he was not Christ. He was only there to prepare the people for Jesus’ coming. Yet, the people still followed him, and in this passage (John 3:22-36) they were questioning why so many were leaving him to follow or go to Jesus. John was quick to remind them that Jesus is Christ and he, John, was there to simply continue exalting Him through his ministry.

John lays it on pretty thick as he wraps up the passage when telling the people that they must obey Jesus or face the wrath of God. Now knowing the past and the lives of their ancestors, the people understood what the wrath of God was. They may not have experienced it, but they knew and that was enough to really get their attention.

I am to obey and follow Jesus and His teachings. When I do, I will realize the glory bestowed upon me by Him. I will also avoid the wrath of God. I know what I have studied in Gods Word, and that is good enough for me to know that I do not want to experience the wrath of God. I will do what is necessary to avoid that wrath whenever possible.

What do you know about the wrath of God? Did you know that there is a way to avoid that wrath? Will you take it upon yourself to obey and avoid the wrath of God?

At the time of my writing this passage, and it has been for quite some time, there is a significant amount of division in the world. It seems as though everyone has a beef with someone else and everyone is “fighting” to not be excluded in something.

I was led to Ezekiel 37 this morning as I continue to study the word “obey” and what I found addresses this division. In the passage, verses 15-28, Ezekiel is laying out the reunification of the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel. And as noted in the commentary found in my ESV Bible for verses 21-22, “This renewed national unity requires a secure national home…under the rule of one king”. The one king is David and the “national home” is the promised land.

Before I move on, I have to mention that I am not someone that believes in the rule of one man for a nation. I do however believe in my Lord as King of heaven and earth, and I stand by Him.

The unification as I see it here in this passage is related to everyone being together in their following of one set of criteria. That criteria or plan or guidance is set forth by God.

“²⁴My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall walk in my rules and be careful to obey my statutes.” – Ezekiel 37:24 (ESV)

When I am able to align myself with those of like mind and action, I find myself in a position of unification. And when that unity is based on the statutes of God, I am unstoppable and will certainly prosper like no other in this world. God will commune with me and I with Him in His greatness and the love He has for me.

“²⁷My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people ²⁸Then the nations will know that I am the LORD who sanctifies Israel, with my sanctuary is in their midst forevermore.” – Ezekiel 37:27-28 (ESV)

It seems to me that the division we are experiencing in this world today is related to our not having a secure home under one king. Each of us are seeking our own glory as opposed to banding together for the glory found in one path. Businesses, athletic teams, non-profit organizations, churches, and school districts all great create missions, visions, and goals to be sure that everyone is doing what is best for the organization. Does it not make sense for the world to do the same?

The good thing is that we have that mission, vision, and goals already established for us as laid out in the word of God. And our king, well pretty obvious I am talking about God and our “secure national home”, well, is the kingdom of God. When we are all obeying the statutes laid out by God, we will carry out the work of God and thereby our unity naturally manifests.

Where are you looking for your guidance? Are you looking to find your “secure national home” in the kingdom of God? Are you looking to obey the statutes of God in your quest for unity?

In May of 2020 I was studying the word “sacrifice” and was led to the passage below in 1 Samuel. I wrote that it is better to obey than to repent. This morning I as I study the word “obey” I came to this passage and what I see is the amount of effort needed for obedience as opposed to repentance.

“²²And Samuel Said, ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. ²³For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.’” – 1 Samuel 15:22-23 (ESV)

As I go through my days doing what I do, I am presented with choices to obey and do what God would have me do, or do what might be easy in the eyes of society. Yes, I have the choice in those cases. Each choice presents a result and those result either create more action.

When I have chosen to go with society I end up having to back track and explain my actions and ask for forgiveness and hope that at some point I will be able to move forward. And that is so deflating as I spend so much of my time trying to fix or undo what was done as opposed to just moving on.

I have found that when my choice is in line with God and I am obeying Him, the resulting action is positive in some way and I am able to simply move forward. I put the item in my past and the next task up is now the focus of my attention. Sure, I may have to revisit my choice at some point, however it is just to explain and as I have found it ends there most of the time. I am not required to defend my actions with a herculean effort, I simply explain and move on.

Samuel explains the same in the passage above. Yes, we will be repenting continuously as we progress in this world, we are sinners and that does not change. God wants for us to acknowledge our shortcomings and ask Him to continue covering them with His blood and grace.

Now, I think of the time and effort needed to recall and repent from all of my sins and transgressions that I could have avoided by simply obeying God. That effort would have been better served in thanking God for the blessings He provided and asking for His care and love bestowed on those in need. My prayers would be guided to thanksgiving and pleas for others as opposed to backtracking on all of the known ways I failed Him that day.

I know that I consciously and unconsciously sin each and every day. For each of those I am responsible and should be asking for repentance. How much shorter would my list of known sins be if I were synced with God and obeying His commandments in my life.

When you are presented with a choice, which direction do you tend to lean? Are you “okay” with choosing society over God and then spending an inordinate amount of time “fixing” your choice? How much less effort would be needed if you simply obeyed God?