“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not
burdensome.”
1 John 5:3 NRSVUE
December 15, 2023
Obedience in the Bible simply means hearing the word of God and acting on it. It implies
aligning our will to God’s will; doing what God has asked us to do.
This is not new. It’s been going on for generations. Let’s look back to when God tested Abraham
by asking him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Abraham adhered until God intervened. Hezekiah
showed obedience to God by cleaning up all the idolatry, John the Baptist obeyed God by
baptizing Jesus, and the disciples obeyed Jesus as followers.
But on this Advent, the obedience of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Joseph, his earthly father is
the one that matters most. The couple found themselves in a very unusual situation; Virgin Mary
getting pregnant and being cared for by a husband she had never been with, and Joseph
accepting the will of God by carrying out His order.
Being obedient is not an easy thing. We often think of obedience as a list of rules we sometimes
follow grudgingly. Being disobedient comes with a hefty price, but the benefit of being obedient
to God is more rewarding. Obedience keeps us from evil and connected to God, heals our
relationships, community and nation, makes us better persons, brings unspeakable joy that only
comes from God, and gives us hope. Hope we need in this chaotic and injustice world.
I challenge you on this Advent to be obedient to God. Try it and see how things change in your
life.
Trustee Pius Bola Akinola
Finance Officer
Combined Choir
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the act of obedience by Mary and Joseph. Come into our
community. Show us how to be obedient to your words. In His name we pray. Amen
Advent Guide 2023
As we stand in expectation of peace on Earth and reflect on the events of our times and the lives of our brothers, sisters and siblings in Christ, we await change and new birth.
We seek, listen and perceive the presence of God in words of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
We invite you to join us in meditation, reflection, prayer and spiritual disciplines throughout the season of Advent and beyond.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and reflect along with us offline.
Comments