What steps can we take to ensure obedience to God's Word today? Obedience Matters: A Lesson from 1 Kings 13:28 “He went and found the body lying in the road, with the donkey and the lion standing beside it; the lion had not eaten the body nor harmed the donkey.” (1 Kings 13:28) The silent tableau of man, donkey, and lion shouts that God’s word cannot be bent. The prophet had earlier received a clear command (13:9) but listened to a contrary voice and died. Even the lion obeyed God more than the prophet did! The scene presses us to ask: how can we keep from repeating his mistake and live in steady obedience today? Steps to Walk in Obedience Today • Honor Scripture as Final Authority – “All Scripture is God-breathed … so that the man of God may be complete” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). – Settle it in your heart: God’s word is never optional advice. It is the standard against which every opinion, feeling, or trend is measured. • Test Every Voice by the Word – Galatians 1:8 warns that even an “angel from heaven” must be resisted if his message contradicts Scripture. – 1 John 4:1: “Test the spirits.” – Before acting, ask, “Does this align—word for word—with what God has already revealed?” • Keep Scripture Close—Daily Intake and Meditation – “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night” (Joshua 1:8). – Build habits: read at breakfast, pray verses on lunch break, rehearse promises before sleep. – Aim for more than information—seek transformation (Psalm 119:11). • Act Promptly and Completely – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). – Partial obedience cost the prophet his life; delayed obedience is disobedience in slow motion. – When Scripture gives direction, move without editing God’s instructions. • Stay Humble and Accountable – “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). – Invite trusted believers to speak into your life; let them ask if you’re drifting. – Hebrews 3:13 urges daily encouragement so sin does not harden the heart. • Choose Wise Companions – “He who walks with the wise will become wise” (Proverbs 13:20). – The prophet’s downfall began with the wrong conversation. Surround yourself with people who point you back to Scripture, not away from it. • Cultivate Holy Fear and Loving Loyalty – Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Fear God and keep His commandments.” – John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – A healthy trembling at God’s majesty and a warm love for His Son fuel consistent obedience. • Remember Both Warnings and Promises – Romans 15:4 says accounts like 1 Kings 13 were “written for our instruction.” – Let the prophet’s fate warn you; let promises like Luke 11:28 cheer you: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Living It Out This Week 1. Schedule a specific daily time for unhurried Scripture reading and reflection. 2. Identify one area where God’s word speaks plainly and you have hesitated—then obey today. 3. Share your commitment with a mature believer who will follow up with you. 4. Memorize 1 Kings 13:28 as a vivid reminder that God means what He says. Obedience is not burdensome when anchored in God’s unchanging word and empowered by His Spirit. The lion, the donkey, and a fallen prophet urge us: take God at His word—and live. |
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