Beech Tree News Network

God has always required obedience from His people if they wished to be blessed. To show that this is true, please read Exodus 39:32, Numbers 1:54, and 2:34. In these passages, we read that the children of Israel “did according to all the Lord commanded Moses ….” These three passages set the tone for our study. It is essential that we read these passages and understand the degree of obedience the Israelites showed because God demands no less of us today (Heb. 5:9; Rev. 22:14). Let us take some time and study three things that are required of men today in order to live a life “according to all that the Lord commanded.”

 In Exodus and Numbers, we find the phrase, “Thus did….” If we ever plan on pleasing God, we must be active! We will never please God otherwise. Only a fool would think God does not want us to be active in His work. I do not make this statement lightly. I am merely repeating the plain words of Scripture. Jesus taught that one’s action or inaction made the difference between God calling someone a “wise man” or a “fool” (Matt. 7:24-27; Lk. 6:46-49)! What would God call you right now? James also made a distinction between the hearer and the doer. He said the hearer who did not act had deceived himself, while the doer was “blessed in his deed” (Jas. 1:22-25). There is no other way.

 In the three Old Testament texts we cited, we see that God’s people did, “according to all the Lord commanded….” In other words, they obeyed the right source of authority! Their authority did not rest in the rule of parents, of society, or in what is “popular.” They were living and acting “according to all the Lord commanded.” Friends, God demands no less of us today. He commands us to “speak as the oracles of God” (I Pet. 4:11). The apostle Paul tells us, “whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). This means that everything we do must be done by His authority, and no one else’s! Let us never go by what “seems” right (Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23). Let us always ask, “What saith the Scripture?” (Rom. 4:3). This is what pleases God!

 Finally, in the books of Exodus and Numbers, we see that the people did “all” God told them! In like manner, God demands our complete obedience today. Jesus said only those who “do” the will of the Father would go to Heaven (Matt. 7:21; Rev. 22:14). The point was Christ expected God’s will obeyed fully. Jesus promised eternal life to those who are obedient (Jn. 8:51). In fact, He went on to say that one cannot be a friend of Christ without obedience (Jn. 15:14).

 As we read the New Testament, this theme of obedience is found repeatedly. For example, Hebrews 11 lists those faith heroes who were obedient to God. He then continues in Hebrews 12 and tells Christians to be obedient just as those people were! In his epistles to the Christians, the apostle John teaches that fellowship with God will not come unless we are “abiding” in Christ’s doctrine (II Jn. 9), i.e., obedient. We must obey God’s word completely in order to have a home in Heaven!

 How about you, friend? Are you doing all the Lord has commanded? If not, then repent and obey Him before it is too late (II Pet. 3:9; Heb. 5:9)!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167