The Art Of Blind Obedience
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. — John 20:18
This is so simple. Mary just does what she is told. And what is interesting is that we are not told how the disciples respond. For some, it had to have been disbelief. Remember, in context, Mary is the first to see the risen Jesus and deliver the news. Just think how you might respond to Mary.
But there is a great point here.
When it comes to living out our faith, Jesus often looks for a specific quality in believers—what I like to call "blind obedience." Now, I don't mean a thoughtless, uninformed obedience. Instead, I mean an obedience that "sees the Lord" so clearly that we become "blind" to the matters of this world.
But in today's world, we have access to overwhelming amounts of information and opinions. I think it's easy for a believer to hear something from God and his Word and then overthink or rationalize why they can't or shouldn't proceed. They then get stalled, bogged down by the what-ifs, the pros and cons, or chasing the opinions of others. By doing so, they hesitate and don't take action because they are "seeing" the wrong thing they do or don't act in obedience to Jesus.
So, what "blind act of obedience" is Jesus telling you to take today? Is he calling you to mend a broken relationship? Address a sin? Disciple your family? Start a ministry? Whatever it is, stop letting human reason "blind" and bind you to disobedience to Jesus. Instead, see Jesus, listen to him, and act. Stop rationalizing the action and results because "blind obedience" to Jesus always produces irrational results.
ASK THIS:
In what areas of your life are you hesitating to act out of obedience to Jesus because you're bogged down by worldly distractions or fears?
What is one "blind act of obedience" that you feel Jesus is calling you to take today, and what steps can you take to act upon it?
DO THIS: Do one act of "blind obedience."
PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, give me the courage to obey you blindly, setting aside my worldly hesitations and fears. Help me to see you so clearly that I become blind to distractions, focused solely on fulfilling your will in my life. Amen.
PLAY THIS: Yes (Obedience).
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Amen brother Vince!
This is an interesting topic, Obedience. I would say most believers often pray this directive from Jesus, where He, in a voice coming down from Heaven giving instructions and we would drop all to obey. I know He is speaking through the Spirit now and I’m guilty of not slowing down enough, quiet myself enough, unplug myself from and and wait for His voice. I know He is speaking to me and I acknowledge that I don’t always wait long enough to even listen let alone obey the instructions. God, help me to listen to Your Voice and give me the strength to “go” and do as You say without reservations!
“I need to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and [even] slow[er] to anger.” (James 1:19 my emphasis added) with EVERYONE in my life, even those that disrespect me and anyone else around them because they are just immature.
This order matters too, listen, then speak, then decide IF you are going to get/stay angry. ACTIVE listening requires that we don’t immediately tune someone out when we disagree, but listen first, then THINK about what we are going to say, THEN speak in a loving way that is FULL of grace AND truth, like Jesus.
Here’s another good one to play on obedience:
https://youtu.be/P1r7tqiroI8?si=JTrSLG6_xvsyzuZo
Yes and amen!
1 Samuel 15:22 – To obey is better than sacrifice!
Psalm 119:60 – I hastened and did NOT delay to keep your commands!
James 1:22 – Do NOT merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!
Father, lead me in blind and unwavering obedience to You, and Your life changing Word!
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