The Blessing of Obedience
As parents of eight children, my Dad and Mom ran a pretty tight ship. Ask any of my siblings, “What is obedience?” You’ll hear word for word what we were taught: “Obedience is doing what you’re told, when you’re told, because you’re told.” When our parents asked us to do something, we were expected to obey—quickly, and with honor. If we didn’t obey, there were consequences.
In Noah’s day, the earth was corrupt and filled with violence. God instructed him to build an ark, and gave specific guidelines on its size, makeup, and contents. Genesis 7:5 says, “Noah did according to all that the Lord commanded him.”
Hebrews 11:7 describes Noah’s obedience: “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house.”
Obedience positions people to see God’s goodness—like Noah did. Moved with godly fear, Noah obeyed God, and his family was saved as a result!
Obedience is a heart issue and more:
Obedience is an act of faith — “By faith, Noah…prepared an ark” (Heb. 11:7).
Obedience displays love for God — “If ye love me, you will obey my commandments” (John 14:15).
Obedience leads to blessing — “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19).
Obedience impacts others — “Your descendants will take possession of their enemies’ cities. Through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me” (Gen. 22:16-18).
Obedience requires humility — “He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross” (Phil. 2:8).
Look at the fruit of Noah’s obedience, and allow it to inspire action in your life. What could happen if you were moved with godly fear and built what He has directed you to build? Arise—and build.
by Ellen Redmond