What role does obedience play in our relationship with God, as seen here? The Voice That Calls for Obedience Numbers 28:1: “Then the LORD said to Moses,” • Everything begins with God initiating; He speaks first, we respond. • Obedience is not self-generated zeal but a listening heart that answers His authoritative word (John 10:27; Hebrews 1:1-2). Daily, Visible Submission • Verse 2 (immediately following) lays out offerings “at their appointed time.” Obedience is scheduled, regular, tangible. • Twice-daily burnt offerings (vv. 3-4), Sabbath offerings (v. 9), and monthly offerings (v. 11) remind Israel—and us—that obedience is woven into every rhythm of life (Romans 12:1; Luke 9:23). Obedience as an Act of Love • John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • 1 John 5:3: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” • Numbers 28 moves beyond ritual; it shows that love expresses itself through willing, repeated compliance with God’s desires. Worship and Obedience Intertwined • The offerings are called “a pleasing aroma to Me” (v. 2). Worship without obedience is empty (1 Samuel 15:22). • Hebrews 13:15-16 links our praise and our doing good; both rise to God as sacrifices. Obedience Guards Fellowship • Leviticus 19:2 ties holiness to obedience: “Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” • Walking in His statutes keeps us in unbroken fellowship (Psalm 25:10; 1 John 1:6-7). Blessing Follows Obedience • Deuteronomy 28:1-2 promises overflowing blessing “if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God.” • Psalm 128:1 pictures the flourishing life of “everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways.” Practical Takeaways • Start every day by listening—Scripture first, opinions later. • Build obedience into routine: set times for prayer, worship, and acts of service. • Measure love not by feelings but by surrendered actions. • Expect God’s nearness and favor as you obey; He delights in the aroma. |
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