How can we emulate Jesus' example of obedience seen in Mark 16:19? Jesus’ obedience displayed “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” (Mark 16:19) His ascension is the capstone of a life lived in perfect submission, showing that obedience ends in the Father’s affirmation and glory. Core lessons from His example • Obedience is active: Jesus finished the mission entrusted to Him (John 4:34). • Obedience is trusting: He placed His future entirely in the Father’s hands (John 17:4-5). • Obedience is rewarded: exaltation follows humility (Philippians 2:8-9). Ways to mirror His obedience • Surrender personal plans to God’s will—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Listen first, speak second—immerse yourself in Scripture so His voice guides every choice (John 14:21). • Finish what God assigns—persevere through weariness, knowing “at the proper time we will reap a harvest” (Galatians 6:9). • Keep a heaven-ward focus—“Set your minds on things above” (Colossians 3:1-2); obedience gains its fullest meaning in eternity. • Expect God’s lifting, not self-promotion—“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10). Practical daily habits – Begin each day by deliberately yielding your schedule, ambitions, and relationships to the Father. – Read a portion of Scripture, asking the Spirit to highlight a command to obey that day. – Practice immediate response: act on the first prompting of the Spirit rather than negotiating delay. – Join believers regularly; mutual accountability fuels steadfast obedience (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Celebrate every completed act of obedience, however small, as another step toward hearing “Well done” (Matthew 25:21). Strength for the journey “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). The same Spirit who raised Jesus empowers believers to imitate His obedience. Encouragement for today The One who sat down at the Father’s right hand now intercedes for you (Romans 8:34). His finished work secures both the pattern and the power for a life that reflects His obedient heart. |
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