Olivet Discourse
And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?" And Jesus began to say to them, "See that no one leads you astray.” Mark 13:3-5 (ESV)
O is for obedience. While the first thing that pops into our heads when we hear that word is doing what we’re told, this obedience isn’t about ticking off a list of rules. It’s rather about a life aligned with God’s good and gracious will toward us in Christ.
Paul calls it the obedience of faith because this obedience goes hand in hand with faith (see yesterday’s devotion). This obedience is about submitting to God’s promises even when the devil, the world, and your own conscience would lead you astray and tell you that you have no Savior, no forgiveness, no eternal life.
Like Job, the inevitable troubles and hardships of life are intended by God to draw us closer to Him and to our Savior. Even when life throws challenges and trials our way, we are forgiven. We have eternal life in Jesus, even when the fear of death creeps in. Obedience here is about trusting in God’s finished work of saving us through Jesus.
Heavenly Father, forgive me for times of pride or rebellion. Grant me a ready heart to listen and follow You. Amen.