THE
BELIEVER'S MOTIVE FOR OBEDIENCE
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so
great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which
doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set
before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the
joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set
down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such
contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your
minds." -- Hebrews 12:1-3
Should the question be
asked, "Why should we meticulously obey the will of Christ in all things?”
no better answer could be found than these two words, -- "Consider him!"
A Worthy Savior
Our Lord Jesus Christ is
infinitely worthy of our best, constant obedience. He is the perfect God and
perfect Man. What an honor it is for any human being to be allowed to do
anything for him! It is an honor and a privilege to offer a cup of cold water in
his name, to minister to the needs of his family, to serve his servants, or to
preach his gospel. Added to his glorious Person, we are constrained to obey our
Lord by his acts of love and grace. He loved us and gave himself for us. Christ
has bought us out from under the curse of the law by his own precious blood.
Shall we neglect obedience to him? We were lost. He found us. We were naked. He
robed us. We were defiled. He cleansed us. We were hungry. He fed us. We were
perishing. He saved us. What greater motive could anyone need?
A Good Master
Our blessed Savior is a wise
and good Master. He knows all our needs, and supplies them. And he always meets
our needs in a way that is honoring to him. His name is not "Baali", a hard despot, but "Ishi", our Man, our Husband. He is
as good as he is wise and as wise as he is good. And those who serve him shall
never lack any good thing.
Our Hope
The Lord Jesus Christ is all
our hope for the future. All our hope for time and eternity depends entirely
upon Christ. Indeed, he is all for which we hope. Our lives depend upon Christ
for all things. Indeed, Christ is our Life. What will a person not do for his
life?
Foretaste of Glory
Obedience to Christ is the
foretaste of heaven's bliss and glory. Those who are before the throne of God
"serve him day and night in his
temple." One of the greatest glories of heaven, and one of the
greatest joys, will be the unceasing, perfect obedience of our immortal souls
to the will of our Redeemer. Would you know the joy of heaven on earth? Obey
Christ. "Whatsoever he saith unto
you, do it." Do not spend your days talking about what you used to do,
or plan to do, or even lamenting what you have not done. May God give us the
grace simply to do what he gives our hearts the grace and our hands the ability
to do for his glory. Whatever your hand finds to do for Christ, do it now, and
do it with all your heart, for the praise, honor, and glory of his great name.
AMEN.
Grace Baptist Church of Danville - Grace For
Today Radio Message #869
2734 Old Stanford Road -
Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438
Donald S.
Fortner, Pastor -Telephone 859-236-8235 - Email grace@mis.net