THE BLESSING OF OBEDIENCE
28th Apr 2021
I have recently been reading Deuteronomy, and noted chapter 28 which deals with Blessing and Cursing. Verse 2 says, “All these blessings will come upon you if you obey the Lord your God.” However, there is much being said at this time about moving away from “performance based” Christianity, and to emphasising “grace and relationship.”
I remember hearing a friend say how in the church where he was brought up, the chief colour was “black” and the chief word was “no.” We are glad to be free of that legalistic religion and to know, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Galatians 5:1
So then how should we live as New Covenant believers? We do want to live lives that are pleasing to God and give time to developing our personal relationship with the Father; rejoice in the new life that Jesus won on the cross, and know the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through our lives. There are great blessings when we seek to live in that way, however, careless, self-centred, sinful living has its consequences.
1 John 3:21 is a template of the benefits of living the life that God really desires of us. It begins, “Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.” We can lead lives that are free from condemnation and with a clear conscience, as we walk in the light and are quick to repent.
It continues, “And we receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.” We can live with confidence that God answers our prayers because we are seeking at all times to obey his commands.
I want to live a life that is pleasing to God. When I read something in the Word I want to obey it. I don’t want to be a rebel, I want to be a disciple. I also want to do what pleases Him. Consequently, I expect to see Him constantly pouring out blessings on my life and my family. I don’t believe that is an accident or just chance, I believe it is an outpouring of God’s grace on those who seek to obediently follow Him.
by Charles Sibthorpe
