Walking in Obedience
“Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” “I am the Lord's servant.” (Deut 5:33, Luke 1:38)
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed; Hallelujah!
Arrive Alive – this was a campaign by our Roads Authority some years ago, and with it came various police checks on vehicles and drivers on the road. More recently it was translated as Fika Salama. The purpose was to significantly reduce road accidents, which claim many lives; a recent documentary revealed that 18 people perish monthly in road accidents on Jinja Road alone! A reading from Deuteronomy brings memories of a journey in which many perished; all adults that started the journey did not arrive alive except only two! It definitely was not due to fatal road accidents; why then did they perish?
The Israelites met barriers along the way to their promised land; the physical barriers were not deterrent or dangerous – God Almighty carried them across the Red Sea, across the dry desert, and across the Jordan River. It was rather the barrier of disobedience that claimed many lives. Call it rebellion. You have a destiny according to God’s plan, and you must overcome three barriers on your way so that you arrive alive, prosper and prolong your days in your destiny, both here and in eternity.
The first barrier is Ignorance: Thomas confessed they did not know (John 14:5), and he represented many of us. God has dealt with this by revealing abundant knowledge in His Word. The Word gives us clear direction; lack of knowledge will no longer be a barrier. The second is Remoteness: Abundant knowledge can be inaccessible because it is far away or in a foreign tongue; God has dealt with this by sending familiar messengers: Moses for the Israelites of his day, and our preachers for us today – they speak our languages and bring the Word close to you. The third is Rebellion: This is yours to deal with. Having heard the instructions from the Word of God, walk in obedience; overcome weakness and impatience; do not give up on the way. To obey is better than sacrifice or mere routine religiosity (1Sam 15:22, Hosea 6:6).
Mary gave us a good example and a good line when she answered the messenger from God; the unexpected message was phenomenal and would transform her life forever, yet it was received with an obedient disposition: “I am the Lord’s servant.” This is true for all of us, but only those who agree actively and obey His instructions will receive the blessings of obedience. We celebrate Mary as the mother of Jesus Christ, and an example of godliness. She fulfilled her calling and lived contented in her destiny here on earth. We believe that she is enjoying her eternal destiny in heaven where there is joy everlasting. Do you want to arrive alive? Do you want to live and prosper and prolong your days in your destiny? Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you.
God bless you all.