The Blessing of Obedience

Jesus’ life on earth was a continuous expression of love for His heavenly Father and one of the ways that love was expressed was through His obedience to Him:

• Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He see the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son does in like manner - John 5:19

• I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and My judgement is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me - John 6:30

  
  

Biblical obedience was never meant to be perceived as something restrictive or prickly, but rather a natural overflow of our love towards God. If we love Him, and trust Him, then we will willingly obey Him, just like Jesus did - even to His death.

Obedience Is a Blessing

God’s love for us is so powerful that it changes us from the inside out. As we walk step by step with Him, He trains us (His children) step by step in obedience. He teaches us, and then we put it into action. It’s a life-long process. And over time...we change…we mature. In an effort to please our Father because of our love for Him, we no longer seek our will to be done - but His. We no longer desire the temporal things of this world - but seek and long for His everlasting kingdom to come.

We learn over time that obedience is not a burden but a blessing, and we begin to experience the beautiful fruit that it yields.

A Legacy of Blessing

And in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws. - Genesis 26:4-5

God’s promise to Abraham’s son Isaac didn’t begin with him, it was a continuation of the legacy Abraham left through his obedience. Abraham didn’t just believe in God; he acted on what he heard. From leaving his homeland to trusting God for a son in old age, Abraham’s faith was shown through his consistent obedience to everything God instructed him. And because of that, generations after him were blessed - including us today.

You see, obedience isn’t just about us, it’s about the people around us and who come after us. The way we respond to God (His Word, His Son, His Spirit) can set a foundation for our families, our communities, and even future generations. Every “yes” to God, no matter how small, has the potential to ripple far beyond our own lifetime.

Obedience Is an Invitation

Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. - Isaiah 1:18-20

This passage is one of the most tender yet sobering invitations in all of Scripture. God doesn’t demand obedience; He’s inviting us to come near and reason with Him. He wants us to understand the goodness of following Him, the blessing in it.

He acknowledges our sin, our failures, our crimson-stained past - and then offers full cleansing. He offers His grace and grace is what makes obedience possible. “If you are willing and obedient,” He says, “you will eat the good things of the land.” God’s blessings are connected not just to our faith, but to our willingness to trust, obey and act on it.

A good earthly father knows how to teach his children what’s best for them, guiding them with wisdom and love, even when it means setting boundaries. The same is true for our Heavenly Father. His commands are not burdensome, but an expression of His love and care for us.

Obedience Means Action

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” - James 1:22

Agreement is not the same as obedience. We can acknowledge the Scriptures and nod in agreement with what they say and still fall into the trap of passivity. Do not merely listen to the Word, obey it. Obedience is where our faith becomes real - where the rubber meets the road.

Do you have the courage to do what God’s Word says?

Take a moment today to reflect on one area where God is calling you to obedience and take the first step toward aligning your life with His will. Ask the Lord to help you, and He will, step by step. You will never regret it.

God Bless You,

Carole