Today’s Scripture Reading: Hebrews 5:1-10
Man is disobedient by nature. The fleshly desires of the natural man are in a constant battle with the desires of the Spirit.
“16Do you not know that if you present yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or obedience resulting in righteousness? 17But thanks be to God that though you were slaves to sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching you were entrusted to, 18and having been freed from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.”
“Obedience does not come naturally to man.”
If we look at this statement from the perspective of today’s theme scripture, we can see this notion further strengthened in Hebrews 5:8 –
“though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” Hebrews 5:8 NKJV
8He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross! 9As a result God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – in heaven and on earth and under the earth – 11and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
12So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, 13for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God.”
Obedience is a “learned” behaviour, as it is contrary to what man in his natural fallen state is inclined to do.
- – He emptied Himself
- – He humbled Himself to the point of death
- – He sacrificed Himself, giving up His will to please the Father
- – It is God that works this change in us as a response to our submission to Him.
So dear friend, the power of God is available to you today, to commit to living a life of obedience to God. All He’s asking of you is to be willing and available. To surrender your will to Him and make the decision to prioritise pleasing Him above every other thing.
“8He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross! 9*As a result God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name…*”
God exalted Jesus as a result of His obedience.
This is yet another reward of obedience to the child of God – God Himself lifting you up and honouring you with dignity, with power and with influence.
Do you not agree it is a reasonable price for you to pay for such a great reward?
Pastor Wale Ola
LIFE APPLICATION
1. What is God saying to me in today’s message?
2. What was ministered to me in the bible verses that I read today?
3. What are the changes or adjustments I need to make in my life to align with the word of God?
4. What is my commitment to the word for today?
5. What practical steps can I take to benefit from the word I have read today?
PRAYER FOCUS
Ask God to give you the grace to fully trust and obey Him today.