Jesus is the perfect example of obedience to the will of God, the Father. As we look into the scriptures we see evidently that while He walked on the face of the earth, He didn’t do just anything He wanted at any time. He was completely resolute in carrying out the will of God no matter how difficult or painful it was. His complete submission to the will of God is seen clearly while He was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane just before His crucifixion. It was recorded in the Gospel according to Matthew that He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” (Matt. 26:39). He was sorrowful and deeply distressed because of His imminent suffering and death, yet He didn’t disappear or find another way to avoid the cross and change God’s redemptive plan. He pressed on in obedience. And then, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done” (Matt. 26:42). And thereafter He gave up Himself willingly as the Lamb of God for slaughter.
He was completely surrendered to the will of God. He said to the Jews, “For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak” (John 12:49); “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me” (John 5:30).
He didn’t just obey God whenever it was convenient, but at all times and in all things. During His sermon on the mount, He made a profound statement that unravels the gravity/seriousness of obedience to the will of God. He said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matt. 7:21-23). Ah! Only those who do the will of the Father will enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Let us examine our hearts. Do you live according to the will of God or do what you wish? Do you live in obedience to the word of God? Do you take time to listen to God and know His will before making decisions? Is your life driven by the will of God or your own dreams? Do you obey God’s leading no matter how difficult or only when it is convenient?
The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:17). Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Eph. 5:17)
Oh Lord, transform us into your likeness, help us to be completely obedient to the will of God like you! Amen.
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