Matthew 21:6 – So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.

We have a wonderfully simple picture before us in this weeks verse. Jesus had given instructions to His followers and they went and did exactly what He asked of them. Simple in many regards and yet it can often be difficult to go and do exactly what the Lord asks of you. Let me explain. When it comes to certain areas of the word of God, you may find it quite simple and easy to obey the instructions given to you. But there are other places within the written word where obedience is much more difficult. For instance, the Bible says we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. For some of us, that is an easy request to follow, for others of us, we find that instruction more difficult. However, that does not change the fact that God instructs us all to love others just as we love ourselves. I have always been fascinated with how the Lord called His disciples into ministry and they IMMEDIATELY followed Jesus. There is no mention of them thinking about His request, no indication that they consulted with family or friends, nothing but instant surrender and direct submission to the Lord. How glorious this picture truly is and how important it is for us to have this same kind of obedience.

Challenge:

How long does it take you to do what the Lord requires of you? Do you respond immediately to the instructions He gives to you or do you find yourself considering His requests or contemplating His wishes? Obedience is a learned behavior that started when you were a small child in your parents home. How well you are obedient to God often times starts with how obedient you were to your parents growing up. Yet, even if your upbringing was difficult and you experienced much hardship, you can still learn to be obedient to your loving and caring Savior. This weeks challenge is to be obedient to the Lord’s instructions for you, no matter how difficult they may seem to you personally. For instance, as the Lord leads you, speak the truth graciously to a friend, even when they don’t want to hear that truth. During these very trying times, be generous toward others needs as the Lord reveals them to you. Be someone that God can rely on, doing exactly what He says, right when He says to do so. No delay. No waiting around. No hesitation. Immediate obedience. You will be blessed for doing so. May Gods grace be with you.