THE FOCUS OF THIS DEVOTION IS ON THE SUBJECT OF INSTANTANEOUS, FAITHFUL AND UNWAVERING OBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF GOD FOR YOUR LIFE.
TEXTS FOR THIS FOCUS ARE: GENESIS 24:50-61; 1 KINGS 13; AND MATTHEW 4:19
God has a personal will for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) There will be key moments in your life that will make that fact known to you. While you wait for clarity of God’s will, it is best to be like Isaac was as he waited for the Servant of his father Abraham to return with his wife—Isaac spent his days in prayer and waiting upon God. The Apostle Paul also spent his time in prayer until Ananias came with the word of the LORD to him. (Acts 9:11)
For Rebecca the matter was very clear from the outset: The servant told how God had answered his prayers by leading him directly to her family and had given the sign he requested—Rebecca not only let down her water jar and gave him a drink of water but she also watered his camels. Then she took him and his entourage to her home and showed them hospitality.
In the recounting of the leading of God to the family, both Rebecca’s father and her brother acceded to the will of God. They said,
MI’YHVH YATZA HAD’DAVAR
LO NU’CHAL DAVAR EI’LECHA RA O-TOV
The matter comes forth from the LORD
We cannot say to you either bad or good.
With this the servant prostrated before the LORD, ate and drank with the family, and in the morning asked to be sent to his master. But family affinity tried to delay the departure. When Rebecca was called to give her opinion, she said that she would go with the servant. So, they blessed Rebecca and sent her and her maidens off with the servant.
Obedience to the will of God must be immediate. Delay will alter the proper fulfillment. Whatever the LORD says, do it now. Details will unfold step-by-step once you start the journey with God.
In 1 Kings 13 is the case of the young prophet who was deceived by the lie of the old prophet. Read the story later. For now, simply learn that instant obedience must be followed by faithful obedience. You must continue in the word that the LORD has spoken into your life.
In Matthew 4:19, Peter answered the call of Jesus immediately. Later, after the crucifixion and even the resurrection, Peter wavered slightly when he said, “I go fishing.” At the meeting with his disciples at the Sea of Galilee, Jesus repaired Peter’s relationship and his fidelity to his calling. Sometimes we waver and must be set back right on the road of obedience to the LORD’S will.
Let us all remember that our LORD is with us every moment to fulfill his purpose for our lives. Be sensitive to obey his voice when he speaks, be faithful in carrying out your commission from him, and repair what defects may arise in your faithfulness to the call. He is with you, and you will not fail as you follow our Good Shepherd.
