How does Luke 23:56 encourage us to prioritize God's commandments over personal desires? Verse in Focus “Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.” (Luke 23:56) Historical Snapshot • Jesus has just been laid in the tomb. • The women love Him deeply and long to finish anointing His body. • Jewish custom allowed only a narrow window before sunset to handle a corpse; the Sabbath would begin at sundown (Exodus 20:8–10). • Their hearts are shattered, yet they stop everything and choose rest, surrendering their personal longing to the plain wording of God’s law. Seeing the Heart Behind the Action • Obedience over urgency – Grief and affection urged them to hurry back with spices. – God’s fourth commandment drew a clear boundary, and they honored it. • Trust over sight – They could not foresee the resurrection, yet they trusted that keeping the Sabbath would never hinder God’s purposes. • Love expressed through submission – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) – Their pause spoke louder than a thousand rushed deeds. Scripture Echoes • Exodus 20:8-11 – “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice.” • Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Identify moments when zeal or emotion tempts you to bypass clear commands (integrity in business, sexual purity, truthful speech). • Pause and ask: Which action plainly aligns with God’s written Word? • Remember that obedience never thwarts God’s plan; it positions you to witness His power, just as the women became first witnesses of the empty tomb (Luke 24:1-6). Realigning Desires with Divine Commands 1. Start with Scripture before strategy; let commands set priorities. 2. Accept God-given limits—rest, honesty, fidelity—as gifts, not hindrances (Mark 2:27). 3. Trust that delayed gratification under God’s authority yields greater joy than immediate self-satisfaction. 4. Celebrate small acts of submission; they prepare the heart for greater revelations. Luke 23:56 quietly models a life where God’s word holds final authority. When feelings run high and desires press hard, resting “according to the commandment” safeguards devotion, honors the Lord, and sets the stage for resurrection-sized hope. |
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