One of the main challenges we have as believers is obedience. Congrats to those who’ve overcome; but for some of us, it’s still a growing age. Here’s what Today’s Holy Nougat cautions.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8 ESV
Obeying God’s Word: It’s A Love Thing
Not only are we to meditate on God’s Word and it shall fill our mouths; but we are also to obey. For God’s Word (Scriptures) point us to God’s Living Word, while revealing God’s grace, mercy and truths. Moreover, God’s Word contains the Laws handed to Moses and the new commandments of Jesus for humanity.
We might recall Jesus’ thoughts on the Ten Commandments – When questioned about the greatest commandment He said, *Love the Lord Your God with your whole being; heart, soul, and mind*. Then Jesus immediately followed that with the second greatest command; *Love your neighbor as you love yourself* (see Matthew 22:36-40)!
As is expected by us, Jesus is correct. For at the base of the Ten Commandments is Love. Some would argue Love AND Respect; but even then the Love must be there, up front and center, as some Jamaicans would say. Love is the essence of God’s Word. Scripture (ie the Bible, God’s Word) presents the Greatest Love Story ever, and we star in it. And while the ending is somewhat predictable, our love – manifested through obedience to the One Who loves us more than life itself, literally – designs how the story ends for us.
For both our obedience to and our love for God are responses to God’s Love. We obey because we know that what God has designed for us is rooted in God’s love for us. We love the Triune God: Creator, Christ, and Comforter (ie God’s Spirit) because they first loved us and continue to love us.
Joshua understood that principle from the onset. We will recall his unwillingness to accept defeat on any mission, because he knew *deep in his heart* that a Loving Living God wouldn’t leave them alone to suffer. Obedience meant protection and safety. This Nougat was simply reinforcement. What about us? Do we see the connection between obedience and love? Will it help us to obey God’s Word in the future?
Selah
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May all we seek be found in Christ
