Astonishing Obedience

Let’s start with this: we get it. We understand that even reading the word ‘obedience’ may not be a word you love to hear. All too often, the idea of obedience comes pre-packaged with memories of strict discipline or that feeling of shame that starts deep in your stomach and spreads throughout your chest. Obedience is a tricky topic because for so many of us, it was demanded of us but not earned. From our earliest memories, we were told what to do, but at some point in our lives, those instructions didn’t line up with how we were being told or the character of who was giving them to us. Children are observant like that; you almost certainly were as well. And as we’ve grown up a bit, the world hasn’t exactly set before us brilliant examples of leaders worth following. The heroes in our books and our dreams outpace and outshine the men and women we watch on our televisions and read about on our phones. So it is only natural that you eventually ask yourself the question, “If the rules don’t apply to anyone else, then why should they apply to me? Why should I sacrifice even a moment of my life, or look up from chasing what I want, or be denied my dreams for the sake of obedience when it seems like I would be the only one making that choice?”

Like we said, we get it. But we want to ask you, what if there was a way? What if there was a path that led towards the best version of your life, a life of joy and generosity, of love, and beauty, and belonging? 

What if we told you that the same path you used to fear was the same path that leads to freedom? Freedom to make the kind of choices that meant your life would have a lasting effect and impact on the people around you? Would you choose that path? The truth is that how you spend your life is completely up to you, but if you’re interested in that kind of life, we think you’re in the right place. Why? Because God, who is so often described in scripture as faithful and a keeper of promises, as a Father who gives good gifts, and whose love for us stands firm forever, is not like our earthly leaders. He does not demand empty obedience without displaying it. Our creator, the one who formed and fashioned us, also gave His life for us. Jesus, obedient to the plans of the Father, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. The writer of Hebrews tells us that he did so for the joy that was set before him. Even the Son of God knew that there was a greater reward awaiting Him than what He would suffer through as a result of obedience, and the same is true for Christians today. Obedience is a choice to endure what is momentary for the sake of what will last. This is what ultimately separates us as astonishing disciples of Jesus and not members of an exclusive country club who wrinkle their noses at any inconvenience. The life we will examine and encourage you towards over the next five days will come at a cost, but for the reward set before you, it is one we hope you decide to endure. 

For now, let’s begin our week with a guided prayer. Set aside some time for this, and do your best to escape from the daily distractions of life when you do. 

• Begin by thanking God for His faithfulness. Recall specific moments when you can see that He was working for your good and His glory.
  

• Next, tell him what you are most nervous about when it comes to a life centered on obeying Him. Be honest about what it is you are afraid he will ask you to do.
  

• Now, ask God to still your anxiety about the future, at least for these five days, so that you can have an open heart and mind toward the commands of God. Then, ask how you can be more obedient to them in your day-to-day life. 

We’ll talk more about this on day five, but remember this: one of the most repeated commands in scripture is “do not fear.” These five days aren’t meant to stir up within you shame, guilt, or fear. They are here to encourage you, to remind you of what Jesus asks of His followers, and to help you process those commands in the context of your life. Great work today, we’ll see you tomorrow.