BLESSINGS AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORD

“But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net” – Luke 5:5

Divine BLESSINGS are contingent on OBEDIENCE to GOD’s WORD! Blessings flow to the Obedient: “If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. But if they do not obey, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge” (Job 36:11-12). The Blessed Person obeys willingly from the heart and not from compulsion, coaxing or coercion. The story of Simon Peter in Luke 5 illustrates what can happen when we say “Yes” to God. A multitude pressed around Jesus while He preached, and He chose to use Peter’s boat as a floating platform from which to address them. Jesus then asked Peter to push the boat out a little way from shore (v.3). Peter’s compliance to this simple request paved the way for a life-changing blessing. It is essential to obey God in even the smallest matters. The noisy crowd received the first blessing of Peter’s obedience as they could now clearly hear Jesus’ words.

At the conclusion of the sermon, the Lord instructed Peter, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (5:4). Peter had every reason to decline, having toiled the entire night, yet returning empty-handed. Now, a young teacher – a carpenter, by the way – was instructing a seasoned fisherman how to fish! But his response demonstrates the beginning of a lifetime of faith in God (v.5). As a result of his obedience, Jesus demonstrated His power and sovereignty. Peter and his partners ended their in complete amazement because they pulled in not one but two overflowing boatloads of fish (v.7).

Consider three profound thoughts on why obedience is critical to the blessed Christian life:

Obeying God in small matters is an vital step in receiving God’s highest blessings. How sad it would have been is Peter had, out of frustration denied the Lord the use of his boat? If Peter had said anything other than yes, he would have missed the greatest fishing experience of his life. But because of his obedience, the Lord arranged an unforgettable miracle. Often, God’s greatest blessings follow our willingness to do something that’s seemingly insignificant.

Our obedience always benefits others. Imagine how many people were blessed by Peter’s obedience. Not only could the multitude see the Lord and hear His message, but Jesus Himself also benefited – preaching from the boat enabled Him to sit down in comfort while He spoke. Moreover, Peter’s friends had a very profitable day, harvesting two boats so full of fish that both began to sink. They also had the opportunity to witness the Lord’s supernatural provision. God often rewards others as a result of our obedience.

Obeying God cancels disappointment. Peter may have imagined that this simple instruction would amount to a waste of time. But when he complied, an amazing miracle occurred – an empty boat turned into a full one. We must recognize that obeying God is always the wisest course of action. He can also take our emptiness – in career, finances, or relationships – and change it into something splendid.

Obedience always leads to blessing. Set a goal to obey the Lord and watch Him work in your life: “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him…” (2Chr.16:9a). Possessing knowledge is not the authentic evidence of being a believer; the devil has knowledge – but lacks obedience, and that makes him a devil. The true obedience of faith is a cheerful obedience. Ask yourself: “Do I obey God on His first command or do I need a second or third? Do I obey cheerfully or with reluctance? Do I go half-heartedly or enthusiastically about that which He asks me to do? Cheerful obedience is the only acceptable obedience; he who obeys reluctantly is disobedient at heart, but he who takes delight in the command is truly loyal! Beloved, I urge you to cross the threshold of Obedience into the Fullness of Blessings!