Ready to Follow

Jesus says, “Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals, and greet no one along the way.”

Thinking literally, if we have received commands like these, what are we going to feel - excitement and happiness or disapproval? What are going to do - will follow with enthusiasm or will say ‘send the other’ and walk away?

Growing up, there were several instructions given to me by my parents that were very difficult to follow such as ‘no boys allowed while you are studying’ and ‘stay away from these circle of friends. They are bad influence to you.’ I could have disobeyed them but I decided to follow. Looking back, I feel thankful that I made the right decisions. If I resisted, I might have gotten pregnant and became a mother early in my teen age. I might became a chain smoker and an alcoholic drinker.

In several companies I have worked for, I always reached to the point of expressing my opinion if there were orders given to me which were opposed to my beliefs and values.

Following commandments is not difficult when we see the reward waiting for us in the end. Sometimes, when we received commands from God, it blinded us with the good it will do for us because the directives are not easy to follow. However, God will not instruct us to do something if He does not know and believe that we can handle them. We just need to have faith that as He instructs us to do something, He will definitely help us to fulfill the task that is given to us. To have finished the task may not provide us with an earthly reward such as a million worth of house and lot or an expensive car and a tour. However, we are sure to be rewarded of something great in the Kingdom of God.

The Psalm says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The statutes of the Lord are true, all of them just; More desirable than gold, than a hoard of purest gold, sweeter also than honey or dripping from the comb.”

The next time God commands us to do something for Him, we should not be saddened; instead, let’s rejoice because the Lord is blessing us!