Genesis 22:18 “…and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

The Bible records many dramatic scenes, but none are more dramatic than this one. It is absolutely pivotal to the whole story of salvation, because God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, just as God gave His Son as the atoning sacrifice for us. That Abraham was obedient has indeed swayed the destiny of all humanity. We never know what the ultimate outcome of our obedience will be, so we, like Abraham, must walk in faith, trusting that God will work it all out for good. (Romans 8:28) I’ve written and spoken recently on stewardship of all that God provides for us, but obedience is even more important and foundational than that. After all, being a good steward is being obedient to what God has told us to do. The whole matter of obedience has been in the news recently, as a group of Democrats made a video in which they exhorted US military and other personnel not to obey “unlawful orders.” That was totally ignoring the reality that there are already rules in place for such an extreme contingency, and it came across very clearly as sedition, particularly when they gave no specific examples of such “unlawful orders.” One of the good things about military service is that it indeed teaches you to obey orders, without eliminating personal responsibility. Abraham was put into an extreme situation, but he had total trust in the One who gave the order, he was obedient, and all mankind has benefited. Our obedience isn’t likely to have such ramifications, but we never know, so we are to listen and obey.

I don’t have a spotless record of obedience, but I think my rate has improved over the years. There have been a few dramatic moments, such as when the Lord told Cathy and me to sell our mobile home and move to Japan, and when He told me to leave Japan and go to seminary in the US, and some others along the way. I hesitate to think about how things might have turned out had I not been obedient! All that drives home the reality that we don’t see the future, so we have to operate in faith. There are lots of minor things along the way, and there too I am called to listen carefully and be obedient. I have been known to miss-hear at times, but God can use even my mistakes for good, if I yield them to Him. The important thing is to maintain a submitted, obedient heart that rejoices to serve my Lord.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Today is a major event in this church’s calendar, with the Thanksgiving dinner tonight. I’m not big on social occasions, but I know from experience that these dinners are a powerful witness to non-believers who attend, and build the faith and participation of the church members as well. I ask Your strength and wisdom for Cathy in particular, since she is the focus of the food element of it all. I ask Your wisdom and anointing for me as I guide the testimony session after the meal. May all the believers rejoice to give You thanks for all You have done in their lives this past year, drawing the unbelievers to open their hearts to receive Jesus as Lord as well, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!