Text: Genesis 2:16-17 KJV
Further Reading: Jonah 1:4-15
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Genesis 2:16-17
MESSAGE
Obedience is the greatest proof of your devotion and loyalty to God. In obedience is both safety and peace. It shows your reference to His sovereignty and Lordship over every affair of life.
God’s plan for man is to live in bliss and enjoy the many blessings He had provided for Him. Do you know that every other thing that was made was because of man?
Scientists have told us that the earth is the only planet that by default support human life. The Bible also says that God has given man dominion over the works of His hands and have put all things under his feet (Psalms 8:6).
It is very clear that God’s design for man is peace, happiness and bliss. As long as man obey God’s command, all the blessings belong to him.
If you are born again, God has restored you to what is greater than the privilege of Eden (Romans 5:15-19). The curse has been cancelled. You are now translated into Christ’s unending life.
However, there is a condition to remain in this blessing, Obedience.
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Isaiah 1:19
The choice to obey and do the will of God is what keeps you in the blessings that redemption has brought. In obedience is confidence and boldness towards God in prayer. You must pray for the grace to obey always.
God’s ways are not ours, and we cannot think for Him. Whenever He comes to you even with a seemingly foolish instruction, just obey.
God’s intent for king Saul was to establish his kingdom forever, but when he chose sacrifice rather than obedience, he lost everything that could be his. Just as Adam, the believer stands to lose every provision of grace if he walks in disobedience.
Sacrifice is costly while obedience cost nothing. Sacrifice comes after damages, obedience brings further blessings. To remain in the peace of God we must obey him in all things.
Are there decisions you are about to make and there is an unsettling in your heart? Is the Holy Spirit challenging a decision you are about making? Are you stubbornly going your way into perdition? Wait and listen this wise counsel:
And Samuel said, Hath 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 hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
1 Samuel 15:22-23
This is the point where we need to plead with God for grace. Grace to obey completely. Not even partial obedience, but complete and satisfactory obedience that brings more blessings to man’s life.
REFLECTION
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
Exodus 19:5
There are numerous blessings in obedience. Ask for grace to obey always so that you will not miss out on God’s provisions for your life.
PRAYER
Father, Please grant me more grace to be obedient to your instructions every day of my life.
