Jesus:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)
Us:
“I’ll take that under consideration.”
Every call demands a response.
Jesus’ command is to go. Most of the time our response is to sit.
This is a problem.
We do call and response drills all the time at concerts, in school, sometimes even at church, but how serious are we about obeying the calls and commands of Christ?
Here’s another example:
Jesus:
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.” (Matthew 6:25 ESV)
Us:
Thanks, Jesus, but actually I prefer worrying because I feel that by worrying I can control the situation.
Now of course we aren’t consciously saying or thinking these things, but what is our response to the many calls and demands of Jesus? Is it joyful obedience or a quick turn of the head to look the other way as we continue on with no change in our life?
Oh that we would believe God has truly given us all things that pertain to life and godliness and that His grace is sufficient for us to respond to His commands with reverent and love-filled obedience, knowing that when we obey there is joy and increased fellowship with our Father and Savior.
What beautiful gifts He gives.
“As (Jesus) said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” But He said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”” (Luke 11:27-28 ESV)
Sophie Miller 