“In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Genesis 22:18 (For further study see Genesis 22:1-19)
While preparing to teach on the biblical concept of obedience based on the Abraham and Isaac account in Genesis 22 I learned something new. The Hebrew word shama is often translated ‘obedience’ but it literally means to hear intelligently with the implication of attention and obedience. Dictionary.com defines obedience as the state or quality of being obedient; conformity to the authority of a religious superior; submission, subservience, deference.
So it appears hearing or listening to God cannot be separated from action. In true obedience, both must be present. They are two sides of the same coin.
Are you listening to God in the midst of prayer, alongside other believers, within worshipful melodies, among the pages of Scripture, or through the whisper of the Holy Spirit?
If we are to be effective Christians in today’s world of persecution and darkness, listening to God cannot remain a solitary or isolated event. Christians cannot run off on our own to simply do acts of service without God’s direction and we cannot soak up what God says without lifting a finger in response. We must connect submission to God with service to others.
“Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,” 1 Peter 1:22.
How will you translate what God says into acts of grace, mercy, love and kindness this week?
Blessings of godly obedience! Prayer requests? As always, confidential, just email.*
“Dear Lord, grant me ears to hear, wisdom to understand, and courage to act in Your name. Thank you, Amen.”
Striving to Listen and Serve Obediently, PJ
COPYRIGHT ©2015 PJ Gover http://www.PJGover.com (blog) http://www.citygirlgoincountry.wordpress.com http://4homestore.com/devotionalbook.html (PJ’s devotional book) PJ.Gover@yahoo.com*
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