What other biblical examples show the importance of obeying God's laws? Ezekiel 20:21—A Snapshot of Consequence “But their children rebelled against Me. They did not follow My statutes or carefully observe My ordinances by which a man will live if he does them. And they profaned My Sabbaths. So I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and exhaust My anger against them in the wilderness.” - God links obedience to life and rebellion to wrath. - This pattern runs through Scripture, underscoring that His commands are both protective and life-giving. From Eden to Exile—Early Lessons in Obedience - Adam and Eve (Genesis 2–3) • One simple command: “You must not eat.” • Disobedience brought immediate spiritual death and eventual physical death, illustrating that ignoring God’s word steals life, not enhances it. - Cain (Genesis 4) • God warned him to “rule over” sin. He refused and suffered banishment. • Echo of Ezekiel: rebellion leads to separation. - Noah (Genesis 6:22) • “Noah did everything exactly as God commanded.” • Obedience preserved his family when judgment fell on the world. Wilderness Warnings—Israel’s National Classroom - Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2) • Offered “unauthorized fire.” • Fire from the Lord consumed them, spotlighting that worship must align with God’s pattern. - Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16) • Questioned God-appointed authority; the earth swallowed them. • Reinforces Ezekiel 20:21: rejecting God’s order invites judgment. - The Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21:8-9) • Healing promised only to those who obeyed the call to look. • Blessing hinged on trusting and acting on God’s instructions. Conquest and Kingdom—Obedience Determines Victory - Jericho (Joshua 6) • Marching, trumpets, and silence may have sounded odd, yet obedience leveled fortified walls. - Achan (Joshua 7) • Secret disobedience blocked Israel’s progress until confessed—sin in one life affected the whole community. - King Saul (1 Samuel 15) • Partial obedience (“I spared the best sheep”) labeled as rebellion and witchcraft; cost him the throne. - David and the Ark (2 Samuel 6:6-7) • Uzzah’s well-intentioned touch ignored divine protocol; he died, showing sincerity cannot replace obedience. Prophetic Voices—Calls to Live by God’s Word - Isaiah 1:19-20: “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” - Jeremiah 7:23: “Obey My voice, and I will be your God…that it may go well with you.” - These echoes of Ezekiel reinforce that obedience unlocks fellowship and blessing. New-Covenant Clarity—Obedience in the Life of Christ and the Church - Jesus (John 14:15): “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Love and obedience are inseparable. - The Great Commission (Matthew 28:20): “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” • Discipleship centers on learning—and living—His commands. - Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) • Lied to the Spirit; immediate judgment in the fledgling church shows God’s heart for purity. - 1 John 2:3-5: “We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments.” • Assurance of salvation is tied to obedient living. Why These Stories Matter Today - God’s nature hasn’t changed; He still desires obedience that springs from trust. - Every command is an invitation to life, protection, and fuller fellowship with Him. - Scripture’s consistent thread: obedience brings blessing, disobedience brings loss. Remain attentive to His Word, and experience the life promised in Ezekiel 20:21—“by which a man will live if he does them.” |
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