Read: Hebrews 5
[As] a Son, he learned obedience…; and having been made perfect, Jesus became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. Hebrews 5:8–9
Obedience is not a hallmark of American culture. As Americans, we prize freedom above all else. “Give me freedom or give me death” is so often the cry of the American soul. So, like disobedient teenagers, we spurn the rules and laws of our God and set our minds on doing things our own way. And we suffer for it. Too often our marriages, our careers, and our relationships with our children are compromised by our belief that we know best.
We do not know best. God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, knows best. God set rules in place so that we would experience joy and blessing in this life and live forever in the next. The good news is that Jesus Christ has entered our broken lives and broken world with perplexingly divine wisdom. Love your enemies. Turn the other cheek. Give to those in need. Observe the Sabbath. Love and serve God. Follow me.
These rules do not always make sense to us. We are tempted to ignore them. There comes a time, however, when we have to own up to our failed efforts and finally decide to trust that doing things God’s way will lead to salvation.
Where in your life do you need to start being obedient to God?
Lord, I disobey You at every turn—intentionally and unintentionally. Help me to trust that Your word, Your rule, and Your leading can guide me to salvation. Help me, like Jesus, to be more obedient, even when that is about the last thing I desire. Lead me to Your salvation, now and forever. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.