March 14, 2023 — “Obey Responsibly”

“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered, and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:7-10

“Jesus learned obedience through suffering; He was always the Son, but He became King through the school of obedience; Suffering = the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship; Obedience teaches us trust; Jesus came to reign as King but He gained His:

1. Authority through obedience
2. Exaltation by humility
3. Ultimate victory through sacrifice”

(Suffering King: School Of Obedience, March 13, 2022; radiant.church)

Many people do not like the word obey. For many people to obey hearkens back to the idea of slavery, of women as property, and to the G-d of the Old Testament. But when we listen to and obey the Word of G-d, we can understand our obedience as the faithful proclamation and discipleship within G-d’s word. We acknowledge our faith and live out our faith in the gospel for the building up of the body of Christ. This kind of obedience takes courage. It involves our lifelong obedience, including the ways we treat our families, others, and ourselves.

The obedience of faith – it is a conundrum. We struggle to be independent and self-sufficient people. And yet G-d asks us to be obedient in our faith, which requires giving up our independence and our agendas. But when we finally agree that G-d is the captain of our “cruise ship of faith,” then we may take some time to determine what gifts we have to share with the other people in the congregation and community.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, when we allow you to captain our ship of faith, we live seeking to be good stewards and obedient believers. Amen.

Pastor Dave