ODJ: why obey?
June 12, 2011
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do (Joshua 1:8).
READ: 1 Kings 16:29-17:1
As I get older and gain seniority at work, the concept of obedience—following the rules—has become less of a priority for me. Obedience is no longer as simple as “just do what is asked”—I want to be convinced first. Hmmm. Does this sound familiar to the way we relate to God at times?
During Ahab’s reign, the city of Jericho was rebuilt (1 Kings 16:34). During its construction, Hiel’s first son was killed when the foundation was laid. Then Hiel’s youngest son died as the city gates were being erected. This all happened in fulfillment of the words of prophecy Joshua had uttered centuries earlier.
Back in that day, Joshua had made this solemn declaration: “May the curse of the Lord fall on anyone who tries to rebuild the town of Jericho. At the cost of his firstborn son, he will lay its foundation. At the cost of his youngest son, he will set up its gates” (Joshua 6:26).
First Kings 16:34 is a solemn reminder to take God and His Word seriously. If the Scriptures say that a man’s oldest and youngest sons will die when he attempts to rebuild Jericho, then it’s going to happen!
It’s during the time of Hiel’s ill-advised building campaign that we find the confrontation between Elijah and King Ahab. Elijah’s pronouncement isn’t unfamiliar to Israel. God had warned them that when they sinned, He would withhold the replenishing rains that they needed (Deuteronomy 11:16-17; 2 Chronicles 7:13-14). God also graciously gave them a way to make things right—confess and repent. Did King Ahab listen? No. Perhaps because he was the king, he felt he didn’t have to.
From this account, we learn that it’s not enough to simply understand God’s Word or admire it. God has spoken. We need to follow Him in obedience.
—Poh Fang Chia
How have you been ignoring God and His commands? What will it take for you to begin following and obeying His Word?
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