CAREFUL OBEDIENCE

“Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations.” –Deuteronomy 4:6

Mass Readings: March 22
First: Isaiah 42:1-7; Resp: Psalm 27:1-3,13-14; Gospel: John 12:1-11

Because of their disobedience, the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years. They may have assumed they were obeying God, but Moses warned them that they were not obeying carefully enough (Dt 4:6). Jesus’ disciples probably thought they were obeying Him. However, Jesus proclaimed that He expected them to obey even the smallest part of a letter of the law (Mt 5:18; see also Ps 119:112). Then they were to obey the spirit of the law (2 Cor 3:6) and thereby usher in Christ’s kingdom.

The Lord promised us total victory in which we bring down the strongholds, sophistries, and proud pretensions which raise themselves against the knowledge of God (2 Cor 10:4-5). We will be able to claim this victory when our obedience is perfect, that is, complete (2 Cor 10:6). When we are committed to obey the Lord in every area of life, we will quickly crush Satan under our feet (Rm 16:19-20).

What we call now “obedience” may be more disobedience than obedience. To enter the “promised land,” live in God’s kingdom, and claim total victory, we need an obedience in the Holy Spirit that is careful, strict, and complete. Then we will be great (Dt 4:6-7; Mt 5:19) and have a deep, intimate love for the Lord (see Dt 4:7). When we obey on a new, deeper level, we will live a new life.

PRAYER: Father, through my obedience, raise me beyond my human limitations and weaknesses to the greatness to which You have called me.
PROMISE: “He sends forth His command to the earth; swiftly runs His word! He spreads snow like wool; frost He strews like ashes.” –Ps 147:15-16
PRAISE: Patricia once prayed only on Sundays, but now prays several times a day, entrusting her life to Jesus.