FAITH AND OBEDIENCE

“BY FAITH Abraham OBEYED when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance” – Hebrews 11:8a

God’s Word affirms an intimate link between FAITH and OBEDIENCE: “BY FAITH Abraham OBEYED when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” (Heb.11:8). Authentic, Genuine, Living Faith is often demonstrated through obedient action. In many cases, Obedience is the corresponding action – the Behaving that accompanies Believing. If we truly trust in God and His Word and His promises, then we will fully obey Him. Abraham was “fully convinced that what He had promised He was able to perform” (Rom.4:21). His obedience confirmed his full persuasion.

Noah and Abraham are the two main subjects of today’s meditation text. Verse 7 says: “BY FAITH Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, MOVED with godly fear, PREPARED an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” Noah believed God’s Word and behaved accordingly. He added corresponding actions to his faith. One can imagine the concerns and questions that Noah had when God commanded him to build the ark. Regardless of any misgivings he may have felt, “Noah did according to all that the Lord commanded him” (Gen.7:5). Noah’s Faith led him to obey God, even in a task that seemed overwhelming and perplexing. He moved, prepared, and fully obeyed God.

Abraham stands out as the Model of Living Faith that works: “Now the Lord said to Abram: Get out of your country, from you family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing” (Gen.12: 1-2). Prompt Obedience followed: “So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him...” (Gen12:4a). No delay. No excuses. No hesitation. No procrastination. He simply obeyed. He stepped out in Faith. On another occasion, the Lord invited Abraham into a covenant relationship that required circumcising every male in his house. The same day, Abraham had himself, his sons, and all men in his house circumcised (Gen.17: 1-14, 23-27). Unparalleled Obedience!

Faith is not just believing God, but OBEYING Him, as proof that we believe Him so He’ll commit to perform His Word. Obedience was the strength of Abraham’s faith. In Genesis 22: 2, God commanded him again: “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Prompt Obedience followed: “So Abraham rose early in the morning...” (Gen.22:3). When we obey the truth, because the scripture cannot be broken, God is committed to perform His promises. Whatever God says He will do, He is more than able to do!

Faith demands having a deep conviction that God will keep His promises and do what He says He will do. Faith involves having complete and utter trust in His faithfulness; that His words are true. Noah, Abraham and other Models of Faith simply believed and behaved accordingly – they obeyed rather than doubt or question God. Faith requires the action of Obedience to God’s Will and Plan – exactly as He reveals it to us. We cannot follow part of the plan and ignore others. Faith requires complete obedience!