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It seemed to happen repeatedly to the still young nation of Israel. They were summoned to gather together in the presence of God; God’s instructions were dispensed, and a call to obedience was implored. Promises were given that obedience would reap the revealing of God’s glory and an outpouring of His blessings, complete with an infusion of emotional joy. The covenants between God and man in the Old Testament were very conditional and were based on the faithfulness of God’s people to respond to Him in obedience. Obedience brought blessing and disobedience brought judgment. The New Testament brought the advent of a new covenant. This new covenant is based on the finished work of Christ on the cross. The only response of obedience that it requires is one that acknowledges a personal need for Christ’s redeeming sacrifice and a personal belief that partakes of what Christ has already done. As believers though, we carry some of the stipulations of the Old Testament covenants into our daily lives and the living out of our faith.
Now, I strongly believe that a believer will have a heart’s desire to walk in obedience to the One who has sacrificially redeemed her. It is a natural outgrowth of the believer’s relationship with God. However, it does not entail a lengthy list of rules, prohibitions, or required performances. In fact, most of us will find our spiritual growth inwardly and outwardly distinct from others. I do not need to fear the withdrawal of God’s gift of salvation because I do not measure up to a legislated obedience, although I do recognize the inner joy that comes in knowing I have pleased my singular Audience of One.
There is though for many believers a thinking that is often referred to as "linear thinking," that expects a predefined blessing from God when I am careful to go to God, listen to God, and obey Him. Those three "steps" are good guidelines for our lives, but if I define the blessing they will bring or if I wait for a specified revelation of God’s glory, it may not come. Tragedies and tremendous losses have marked the lives of many outstanding women of faith and obedience. Did they miss something? What was it that they did wrong? God’s blessing and the unveiling of His character and nature are not bound by our limited thinking. Material blessings and a freedom from unmet expectations are surpassed by the blessings of the incredible and totally sufficient presence of God, the transformation of the inner person to reflect the reality of who He is, and the hope of an eternity that will bring every believer to the utmost of her fulfillment.
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