Obedience is greater than sacrifice series – Part 4

 

In the first 3 parts we learnt to get real and examine why we are doing what we are doing for the Lord, and that our view of the Lord is affects our depth of relationships, and that relationship can only be evaluated in LOVE, are we good listeners and hearers of God and others around us and that everything God has given us He has resourced and provision for it to be accomplished and the biggie can we say I FEAR GOD more than you and really mean it and live it.

 

The final part the last line of the verse: “Because you said No to God’s command, he says No to your kingship”. Wow is it just me or are these statements getting more intense? Hmm I think that when we know or discover the weight of responsibility that comes from being a true follower of Christ it can sometimes blindside us!

Yes it will cost you to follow Christ as it did for all His disciples, for all but one who was crucified the other being John.

 

If the cost is so great, why would be do it? For the reward is far greater they the cost this is why Christ died on the cross and so many have followed similarly.

Here just a few verse regarding the rewards awaiting those who choose to follow Him and His Ways.

 

“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:12(KJV)

 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving”. Colossians 3:23-24

 

God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” Romans 2:6

 

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21

 

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him”. James 1:12

 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”. Romans 6:23

 

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you”. John 14:2

 

And so many more! There are over 100 verses in the bible giving promises in Heaven or in the eternity that awaits us with Christ. Including ruling with Christ on a new earth, with pain sadness death gone etc

 

So in conclusion the stakes are high, the cost is higher but the Lord has and will continue to provide the way but it all depends on this: if we will listen and obey! It comes down to the words Jesus spoke when being confronted by the most educated Jewish leaders of the day. He was asked which of all the commandments was the greatest? Do you remember what He said let’s read it

 

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

 

In essence what Jesus was really saying was everything we do needs to be in direct relationship with the Father, and by the outworking through witness and action we will then be Christ on earth to others.

 

Father, thank you for your leadings today and throughout this series of a simple Old Testament passage that holds so much meaning and significant tools for the times we are in. Help us please to put what we have learnt into action, so we will see the fruit. In Jesus name. Amen.

 

Craig Patten

Itinerate Pastor / Prophet.

Encounter Ministries