Obedience: A shared journey
Welcome! In my post “The Struggle of Obedience”,1 I shared my personal challenges. It’s fascinating to realize something important as we read the Bible. We come to understand that we are not alone in this struggle. This challenge is not unique to me; if it resonates with you, it certainly isn’t unique to us either. Throughout biblical history, many individuals faced similar trials. Their experiences offer a sense of solidarity and hope as we navigate our own journeys. It is precisely through these contrasting experiences—the inspiring acts of obedience and the sobering act of disobedience—that we gain profound understanding.
The Allure of Disobedience
So here in this section we will see the very human nature in action through these examples. God gave Adam and Eve one simple command. They were told not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2:16-17). Tempted by the serpent, they disobeyed, choosing their own desires over God’s clear instruction (Genesis 3). This act brought sin, suffering and separation from God.
God miraculously delivered the Israelites from Egypt, yet they rebelled during their journey through the wilderness. Their disobedience showed up in complaining, idol worship, and turning away from the promised land. The disobedience and lack of trust resulted in 40 years of wandering and missing out on God’s promise. The story is a powerful reminder of consequences when we ignore divine guidance.
Triumphs of Obedience
When God instructed Noah to build an ark in preparation for a global flood, the task must have seemed impossible. Noah’s story resonates because it’s about trusting God even when things don’t make sense. Building an ark miles from the ocean must have seemed absurd. Imagine the whispers, the laughter, the dismissive glances. Noah faithfully followed God’s instructions (Genesis 6-9). His obedience saved his family and preserved life on Earth, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of obedience to God’s commands. In choosing obedience amidst ridicule and misunderstanding, Noah opened himself to blessings beyond comprehension.
Joshua’s leadership in bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land was marked by his direct obedience to God. God instructed him to conquer Jericho with a seemingly illogical strategy: marching and shouting (Joshua 6). Joshua trusted and obeyed, resulting in a miraculous victory. His direct obedience continued in the division of the land (Joshua 13-21). This demonstrates that trust and obedience are intertwined. We can’t truly obey God without first trusting Him, and our obedience is a tangible expression of our trust.
Obedience & Disobedience: Guidance for Today
The accounts of obedience and disobedience in the Bible aren’t just ancient history; they’re living stories that speak directly to us. They beautifully illustrate a fundamental truth: the path we choose has real and lasting consequences for our relationship with God. These powerful examples invite us to pause and honestly consider our own lives.
Are we walking in obedience? Are we experiencing the blessings that flow from it? Or are we facing the natural consequences of going our own way? Let’s take some time to reflect on these profound lessons and see how they apply to our daily lives.
I’m excited to continue this conversation with you in the next blog post. Let’s reflect on these examples and their application to our lives. We’ll pick up this thread in the next blog.
Bye for now.
