March 3

Obedience

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” — John 2:5 BSB

“Whatsoever He says.” We belong to Christ because He redeemed us, and He is our only Lord and Master.

“Whatsoever He says.” We don’t get to pick and choose which of His commands to follow. We aren’t supposed to obey the commands we like and ignore the ones that we don’t. Sometimes obedience involves things that cost us—pain or sacrifice. This is exactly how Jesus obeyed His Father. God’s will led Him to the cross, but He didn’t turn back when the path got dark, when He felt the thorns under His feet, or when the weight of the cross grew heavier. If we want to follow Him, our obedience must also be complete.

“Whatsoever He says.” How can we know what He says? We don’t hear His voice as those at the wedding did. Today, He speaks through His Word, and a heart that is open and reverent can always hear what He is saying as we carefully read the Bible. He also speaks through our conscience if it’s kept sensitive through obedience, and He speaks through the circumstances He brings into our lives. There is never real uncertainty about what He’s saying if we truly want to know His will.

“Whatsoever He says to you, do it!” Obedience is what matters. We shouldn’t question or suggest alternatives when Jesus has spoken; our only response should be obedience. We shouldn’t worry about the consequences or the cost. Christ knows why He asks us to do something, and that should be enough for us.