In what ways can we trust Jesus' instructions in our daily lives? The Scene That Frames Our Question “ ‘If anyone asks, “Why are you doing this?” tell him, “The Lord needs it and will return it shortly.” ’ ” (Mark 11:3) Jesus sent two disciples to untie a colt that did not belong to them, confident the owner would release it. The text is literal history, yet it also paints a timeless picture of how we can treat every instruction Jesus gives us today. Why Jesus’ Instructions Are Worth Our Whole Trust • He sees what we cannot. The colt’s availability, its owner’s response, even the timing—Jesus knew it all before the disciples took a step (cf. Hebrews 4:13). • He owns ultimate authority. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). If the Lord “needs” something, every earthly claim yields. • He keeps His word. “The Lord needs it and will return it shortly.” The promise of return shows His integrity; no command ever rests on exploitation. • He weaves our obedience into His larger purpose. The colt carried the Messiah into Jerusalem, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. Ordinary instructions intersect eternal plans. • He remains unchanged. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The reliability He demonstrated in Mark 11 still stands. Living This Trust in Daily Decisions 1. Listen closely. Scripture, illuminated by the Spirit, is Jesus’ primary voice. Stay in the Word so you can recognize His specific nudges. 2. Obey promptly, even when details seem unclear. The disciples didn’t negotiate; they untied the colt. Delay often drains faith. 3. Expect provision along the way. What He initiates, He resources—whether that is time, courage, funds, or favor. 4. Keep the outcome in His hands. “The Lord needs it” was reason enough. Results belong to Him; our task is obedience. 5. Look for how your small step advances His larger storyline—someone else’s salvation, a testimony, or fulfillment of Scripture you haven’t yet noticed. Scriptural Echoes That Reinforce Our Confidence • Psalm 32:8—“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” • Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart…He will make your paths straight.” • Luke 22:13—“So they went and found it just as He had told them.” • Luke 5:4-6—obedience to an unlikely fishing command produced overflowing nets. • John 2:5—“Do whatever He tells you.” • 2 Corinthians 1:20—“For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” Practical Takeaways for Every Day • Start each morning by affirming aloud: “Lord, Your instructions are true and for my good. I will act on them today.” • When Scripture corrects or directs you, resist the urge to over-explain. Simply do it. • Record instances where obedience led to unexpected provision. Review them when new instructions arrive. • Share testimonies with others; hearing how Jesus’ words prove reliable multiplies faith community-wide. The Bottom Line Because Jesus knows all things, possesses all authority, and keeps every promise, His instructions—whether written on the page or whispered by the Spirit in line with that page—are the safest, surest guidance we will ever receive. Trust them, act on them, and watch Him turn ordinary steps into kingdom moments. |
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