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The Deep Foundation of Obedience
John Danganan46 Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood rose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of the house was great.” - Luke 6:46-49
Jesus prefaces obedience on his lordship, “why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I tell you”. As Lord he is to be obeyed in everything he says. He illustrates obedience to him as a sturdy foundation that will withstand the storms of trials. What causes people’s faith to fall? What is the root cause of people bowing out on their faith and walk away from the Lord? Why are so many people’s faith ruined by adversity? According to Jesus, it is the lack of the foundation of obedience to his lordship. Every single person will experience in some varying degree suffering, adversity, trials, hardships and pain. Why do some people stand firm yet some fall away? Obedience. The key is not just coming to Jesus and hearing him. It is in the doing of obedience. That is the sturdy foundation that will withstand the falling of the rain, the coming of the flood and the blowing and beating of the wind (Matt 7:25)
In what area of my life am I calling Jesus Lord but not do what he is telling me? I haven’t been guarding my thought life. I have not placed a lid to block the negative things that want to enter my heart. Since I have not been obedient in this area, I have entertained thoughts of wanting to bail on my calling. I have noticed in me the tendency to shrink away and be passive to the things God has called me. I need to memorize Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”.
Father God,
Thank you for the grace of your voice speaking to me this morning! Please forgive me for neglecting to obey you in this area of guarding my heart. You are my Lord. I will do what you tell me to. Please give me strength, fervor and resolve to obey even though I don’t feel like it. Please remind me to dwell on things that are true, honorable and praiseworthy. I love you. Maranatha!
