Worship in Obedience
Our pastor often seems to be thinking on the same subjects I am – like today’s sermon about how obedience is tied to worship.
We went over the Christmas story as it related to Joseph. Each time his dreams gave him direction for his next steps, Joseph immediately obeyed the word given to him. His instant obedience was a form of worship as he trusted God and God’s plan.
This being the Christmas season, naturally I think about the characters involved. Yesterday’s thought was about Mary’s response to God’s plan.
Now, granted, I never had an angel appear and give me any kind of message. But wouldn’t that be neat? Or more like, downright scary!
But what did ol’ Mary do? She took the angel’s message and explanation to be truth and immediately started a beautiful song of praise. Impressive, right?
Bless my heart, I have God’s Word to guide and His Truths to assimilate into my life – which should direct my actions. Shoot! Even getting that much done is a daily challenge. With Jesus’ salvation and the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, living in instant obedience should be a no brainer. Worshiping God for all He is should be a natural response. Taking time to see His work in my life should be obvious to me and to others – which should result in constant, flowing praise and adoration of God who loves me beyond my imagination!
But what do I do?
Grump, grump, grump!
Maybe not on the outside, but inside, mercy! I am an ill-pill!
Seriously, I see and understand more each day why we are where we are. But I keep telling God, ‘for now only, right?’ I’m beginning to think my next destination will be my heavenly reward. Later rather than sooner I hope. … If the Lord will put up with my whining that long. Sigh.
Anyway, I’ll think on Mary’s obedience, trust, and her song of praise and go tune my harp again. Maybe I’ll get the vict’ry that way. At least I’ll be that much closer to praising God. Unless too many strings are out of tune. Mercy!
I think I tell too many of my weaknesses. Though they say confession is good for the soul, I don’t think it’s too good for my reputation!
Oh, well.
I’ll quit with this truth from Luke 1. ‘My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’
May it be so.
Blessings
Kara Beth
Another thought –
Mary kept baby Jesus safe within her so that He would grow to be the Savior who would redeem those who believe in Him. Even though Mary faced many trials and challenges during her pregnancy and beyond, she fulfilled her life’s mission. May I not abort God’s purpose for my life, and may I be true to share the light of Jesus within me so that others may be drawn into a relationship with Him.
