Hebrews 11:18, “of whom he had been told, ‘It is through
Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.’”
How willing are you to be obedient? Does it depend on who is
asking? Will your attitude match your actions?
As a parent I had no difficulties establishing my
‘authority’. And my children often could tell if a command was open for
discussion or not by my voice. Through their growing years they often tested
those boundaries to see when they achieved more responsibility. They knew my
tone so well that sometimes they recognized they had pushed too far before I
did. I had the power to send young children to bed early and withhold car keys
from teen-agers.
So I was completely caught off guard when my grandson—then
at age three—very matter-of fact—told me he didn’t have to listen to me. And why is that I asked, since he
wasn’t even in any trouble. He was just thinking out loud. “Because only mommy
and daddy are my boss.” I gently explained the chain of command, which his
parents later confirmed, and once his puzzlement became resolved he nodded in
understanding. But since, not always in complete acceptance. When an issue
needs to be resolved—for him only his parents have the final word.
I wonder sometimes if my own attitude towards others
exercising their authority over me influences my attitude towards God, in my
ensuing obedience or outright rebellion. Will I run away like the prodigal son
and end up in mire, or stick close like the elder son and nurse a grudge for
years?
Abraham faced the most heart-rending choice imaginable. Yet
he made it based on his understanding of God’s character, and so entrusted to
Him his most precious gift.
“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to
accomplish His work.” John 4:34
Lord, please give us courage to follow and obey with
complete trust, knowing that your promises and Your commands overflow with Your
redeeming love.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 66:8-10
“Bless our God, O peoples, And sound His praise abroad,
Who keeps us in life, And does not allow our feet to slip.
For Thou hast tried us, O God; Thou hast refined us as
silver is refined.”
