Obeying God is word and deed

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Obedience When The Consequences Are Unknown

3rd March

““But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorised by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon Your name!””

Acts 9:13-14

Paul, formerly known as Saul, was notorious for his zealous hatred of ‘the way’ and for ‘Christians’ before his conversion. In fact Saul, was there at Stephen’s murder giving his approval. It was by Saul’s hand that many Christians were persecuted and more would have been if Jesus had not revealed Himself to Saul on the road to Damascus. Putting it lightly, Saul had a bad reputation..! He was a scary figure and a man most feared. Yet straight after his conversion, Jesus had other plans for him.

Recuperating from his life changing encounter with Jesus at Judas’ house, Saul had a vision from God about a man named Ananias who was commissioned to lay hands on him and heal his temporary blindness. Little did Saul know of the conversation between Ananias and God prior to his vision.

Ananias must have thought he was being asked to go into a lion’s den. To go to Saul, a man with a ferocious reputation, who most probably had, or at least gave his blessing to, many of Ananias’ brothers, sisters and friends murders, was probably in Ananias’ eyes, madness. Yet Ananias in obedience, put his own feelings to one side, laid down his worries and completely trusted in God and did what was asked of him.

Sometimes, the things God asks of us may seem like great mountains to climb and great burdens to bear, but we can rest assure that God will never ask something of us, that He will not help us do. Being obedient to God is part of our Spiritual walk with Jesus, and helps us grow in our relationship with Him. Just think, if Ananias didn’t obey God, would Saul have ever made such a big impact for Christ on this earth…?

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The Troublesome Sons

30th July

“Then Jesus explained His meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did.”

Matthew 21:28-32

Jesus often used questions to present His listeners with a powerful teaching. Today’s passage is no different. In the preceding verses, the Pharisees approach Jesus and question by what His authority He was able to teach others and to do the signs and miracles that He was doing. He never directly answers them but instead, in the next passage, throws a question back to the Pharisees in the form of a story.

He explained that there were two sons. The father was an owner of a vineyard and asked his older son to go out and work in the vineyard. He flatly refuses and says ‘No, I wont go!’ After a while the older son changes his mind and agrees to work in the vineyard. The same question is asked to the younger son who gladly agrees but never goes. Jesus asks His listeners the question, “Which of the two obeyed his father?” They all answer rightly, “The first”.

Jesus explains His question but highlighting a simple truth. The tax collectors and prostitutes obeyed and will enter the Kingdom of God, but those who don’t, won’t. Although there is a much deeper meaning to this statement, there is also a simple truth. Jesus doesn’t differentiate between tax collectors and prostitutes (sinners) and the so called Pharisees (hypocrites). He is more interested in those who although may refuse the Gospel at first, turn from their sinful ways, acknowledge they are wrong, repent and enjoy the blessing of a redeemed life. However there is a strong warning for those who agree to following the Gospel in word, but in reality their lifestyles and actions are contrary to what the Gospel teaches.

Let us take the opportunity to turn from our rebellion, put our trust in Jesus, rely on His grace and not just be followers of Jesus in word but also through the way we live our lives.