Obedience

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

(Matthew 5:17, NKJV)

I am fascinated by the law courts and the whole judicial process.  There is something about it that stands out calling for a sense of wonder, honor and at times even awe.  When the judicial officers stand to give their submissions and subsequent judgement, those in attendance accord them pin-drop silence as the weight of the words spoken is internalized.  It is clear to all that the court process is a serious matter, one commanding of respect.  The place of laws in any community cannot be overstated, they help to dictate how we relate to others and the ensuing consequences of not behaving as stipulated.  It is the enforcement of the law which makes the judicial process so powerful.  An understanding of what is expected of each of the individuals under the given jurisdiction is therefore of importance.  Beloved, I dare say that this also applies to our family of faith, we have the word of God which gives us the expectations of God for our lives, it also tells us how we treat each other.  We also read of the courts of heaven and a reference to God as a judge.  Yes, He is our Father and He is also a righteous judge.  Where there is a judge, then there is judgement and consequences of broken law.

Our reference verse is spoken by Jesus when He stated that He was not to break the law but to fulfill it.  In saying so, Jesus wanted to emphasize the  place of the law of God in our lives.  The following verses tells us that there is a relationship between our following the laws of God and our entering into eternal life, which states that those who fail to obey will not be partakers of eternal life (Romans 5:18-20.  Brethren, this brings us to a point of recognition that God takes His word and His laws very seriously, it is in this understanding that we understand God as a judge.  We read in the old testament God telling Moses that he (Moses) would not enter the land of Canaan  (Numbers 20:12).  The reason for this decision by God was because Moses had disobeyed God when he was told to speak to the rock but instead he smote the rock (Numbers 20:7-11).  God had told Moses to speak to the rock so that it would gush out the water but in anger of the people, he chose to smite it just like he had done before (Exodus 17:6).  One would be tempted to think that what Moses did in striking the rock was a small thing, after all, he and God had had a great walk of power and after all, God still released water from the rock as was desired despite the fact that Moses hit it instead of speaking to it. 

Brethren, in spite of these human arguments, we note that God considered the act of Moses as disobedience which had a consequence.  To God, the act by Moses dishonoured Him in the eyes of the people and God took this seriously.  While we might try to interpret what God means or requires of us, we need to be reminded that He is concerned about how we represent His character.  Any misrepresentation of who He is is counted as disobedience and when we disobey, we fail to hold God as holy and faithful to His word.  He is God almighty and His ways are clearly not our ways.  When in doubt, we should go back to Him for understanding as our human interpretation will not match His intention.  Beloved, if the Moses who spoke with God directly and who knew the ways of God would be judged by God as disobedient in this one instance, how much more for us especially now that we have His Holy Spirit.  May we learn to revere Him as holy and commit to obey His leading for His ways are always perfect.

Thoughts:

What is your reflection of this blog?

When have you struggled to obey God’s word?

How have you understood God as a judge?