Astonishing Obedience

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:34-40

On our journey together towards a life of astonishing obedience, it seems clear to us that the best way to start is by looking at what Jesus himself said were the greatest two commandments for us to follow. Certainly Holy Scripture doesn’t shy away from instructing us in how to live, but it’s particularly poignant that with all of his knowledge, and all of his wisdom, not to mention being the one through which all things were made and are held together as a part of the Triune God, that Jesus, when asked outright about the greatest act of obedience responded with two greatest commandments upon which, “all the law and prophets hang upon.” We’re going to take these one day at a time, because obedience to them will require everything from you. Here’s the secret though: obedience to them will also bless you beyond measure.  

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.

Obedience to God starts very simply with loving Him. We’re tempted to draw parallels here to worldly examples, but the truth is that they all fall short. Jesus is telling the Pharisees that the greatest command they have is to prioritize their love for God Himself above anything and everything else. See, you can’t (as the Pharisees were) love God with all of your heart, and equally love power and prestige. You can’t (as the Pharisees were) love the Lord your God with all of your soul, and sell portions of it to the highest bidder. You can’t (as the Pharisees were) love God with all of your mind when you use it to rationalize disobeying His other commands. Jesus was telling them, and is telling us today, that God desires for us to love him with every fiber of our being. Why? Because he is the only one worthy of such devotion. He loved you long before you loved him. He fashioned your heart, your soul, and your mind with good intentions, so it is safe to trust him with those things. When you do, everything that flows from that decision will ultimately lead to your good and his glory.

Use your heart to love him, staying sensitive to the push and pull of the Holy Spirit, who Jesus promised as a helper to those who follow him. When you do so, you will live life with a softened and aware heart, one that is willing to reach towards the people God is calling you towards. Use your soul to love him, connecting with him in prayer as often as possible until it becomes second nature to go to your Father with your worship and your wonderings. You are connected to almighty God as he sits enthroned and the heavens encircle him, and he longs to hear from you… How could your life ever be the same? Lastly, use your mind to love Him. He has given us His word, passed down from generation to generation. You have access to the teachings of God throughout history in your hands. Turn your mind’s amazing ability to read, to absorb, and to recall on it. As it becomes your guide, life may not be easier, but it will begin to make more sense. 

This is the first and greatest commandment, our first step towards obedience. Are you ready to take it?

Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for his words, making our first move towards a life of obedience  abundantly clear through him. I want to love you with all of my heart, mind, and soul. Please, help me in this moment to know which of these to lean into today as I start my journey of renewed obedience to your ways. I trust you with my life, help me to trust you with my today.

Amen.