On the Other Side of Obedience

Scripture tells us, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.”  At its cord, this biblical truth teaches that obedience means listening to God’s voice and choosing to follow Hia commands out of love and trust.  It is far more than simply following rules; it is a wholehearted response to God.

As I see it, obedience is living for God by giving Him what He asks of us—our trust, our loyalty, and our allegiance.  It also includes “presenting your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).  It is taking up our cross daily and following His ways with willing hearts.

Obedience may also mean stepping into the gap where believers are needed to do God’s work, serving without complaint or rebellion against what He desires for His children.  True obedience is giving God what He actually asks for, knowing that His requests are never unreasonable.

Sacrifice, on the other hand, can sometimes mean trying to give God what we want to offer Him, on our own terms, only to discover later that His way was always the better way.  The prayer of Jesus remains the pattern for every believer: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”  There is no better way to live.

On the other side of obedience are the open arms of Jesus Christ.  There we find His presence, His peace, and His words of approval: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  What greater reward could there be than hearing those words from our Savior?

The other day, I saw a beautiful painting online depicting someone’s interpretation of gentleness.  It portrayed Jesus kneeling with His arms outstretched toward a flock of sheep eagerly running into His embrace.  It was a touching reminder of the Shepherd’s heart.

How much greater is Christ’s love for the sheep of His pasture—the redeemed of the Lord.  As Christians, we seek His approval, not to earn His love, but because we long to live in the warmth of His agape love and experience His spiritual embrace.  His love is never limited.  No believer is ever short-changed, for His love is infinite, and His compassion knows no end.

We can be confident that Jesus is waiting on the other side of our obedience.  His promise remains true: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  As we faithfully follow Him, we discover that every step of obedience leads us closer to the heart of our Good Shepherd.

Written by,

Papa Boyd