Death Strike

October 7, 2009 by · 15 Comments

Something interesting is happening in my corner of the blogosphere. Bridget Chumbley of One Word at a Time, Peter Pollock of Rediscovering the Church and Ginny started this blog carnival where Christian bloggers blog about one particular word for the week. This week, the word is OBEDIENCE. *Sigh.* Not a bad idea, it’s just that the word isn’t catchy at all. You might as well blog about servanthood, martyrdom or how to jump into the lion’s den.

But why does this word compel me to write at 2 in the morning?

Because this is not a popular topic in church nowadays. Many people would rather hear sermons on prosperity, improving one’s self- image, success, and lots of social commentaries in the pulpit than hear about obedience. What they fail to consider is that without obedience, we can never be what God wants us to become, or go wherever God wants us to go.

The story of Moses striking the rock twice in Number 20 is one example worth revisiting. God specifically told Moses to speak to the rock for the water to pour out. The command was explicit but the execution was a little faulty. Moses didn’t obey God. Instead of speaking to the rock, he verbally lashed out on the people and struck the rock with his staff.

The water gushed out all right but his disobedience cost him his ticket to the promised land. Except for Caleb and Joshua, Moses died in the wilderness along with the rest of the stubborn Israelites. What a sad, sad conclusion for a great man’s ministry.

What was his sin? He dishonored God by his disobedience. God must really, really be serious about obedience.

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  • http://www.lynseleanne.com/blog lynse leanne

    ouch. that is so true. i remember an old friend telling me that obedience is greater than sacrifice in God’s eyes….and the more i have been disobedient in my life the more i have seen that as a true statement. but a good swift kick in the pants is always a good thing….thanks! (i guess ;) )

    • http://jojoagot.wordpress.com/ jojoagot

      agree, there’s nothing like a good swift kick in the pants, lol. but wouldn’t it be better if we simply obey so kicking won’t be that necessary? i mean, if we can help it!

      • http://www.lynseleanne.com/blog lynse leanne

        now, that is true. but obedience is hard…because, well it is obedience. i am still working on laying down my own wants and desires to just obey God….but doesnt it make more sense to obey they one who has it all mapped out and only has my best interest at heart. ya, in a constant pursuit of holiness…i guess that is what it is about.

    • http://jojoagot.wordpress.com/ jojoagot

      Thank you Billy, i appreciate that.

  • http://bulletsandbutterlflies.blogspot.com/ Russell Holloway

    Today I have learned so much about obedience. I’ve read about 18 blogs… Obedience is an act of faith and and act of the will… Thank you for your thoughts on the topic…

    • http://jojoagot.wordpress.com/ jojoagot

      you’re most welcome russel, and thanks for dropping by. i hope this blog carnival continues, this is fun and encouraging!

  • Bridget

    I’m glad you decided to join the carnival! It wasn’t an easy topic. I enjoyed the comment you left on my post…thank you!

    • http://jojoagot.wordpress.com/ jojoagot

      thanks bridget, i left a comment for consideration in your page. check it out.

  • http://kevinmartineau.blogspot.com Kevin M.

    Good reminder Jojo! God definitely takes obedience seriously! There are definitely consequences to our disobedience and there are also wonderful blessings for our obedience!

    • http://jojoagot.wordpress.com/ jojoagot

      exactly! reminds me of deut.28: “If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today…”

      and the list of blessings (and curses) is very long!

  • http://www.billycoffey.com/ Billy Coffey

    I’m glad I stopped by here today. This was such a good post. Lots to ponder.

    • http://www.randommusings-helen.blogspot.com Helen

      Moses’s story is a good example to ponder. Thank you for reminding me.

  • http://blog.hafchurch.org/peter Peter P

    Thanks for joining the carnival, Jojo!

    I think we shy away from some of the basics of faith, like obedience way too often.

    Thanks for the reminder about Moses, that really puts it into perspective!

    • http://jojoagot.wordpress.com/ jojoagot

      peter, helen and lynse leanne, thank you very much for your feedback. im so glad i’ve come to know you guys through our blogs. and thanks for welcoming me into your community, i can see that you are all connected and im the new guy here.

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