10/02/2021

Mat 21 v 12-22; Acts 28 v 17-31; Ps 47 v 1-9; Lev 26 v 1-27 v 34
Obedience rewarded

“My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a robbers’ den.” (Mat 21 v 13)

The temple was used for trade because the people had left their first love and the Pharisees allowed this because of the financial gain they received.  They placed the things of the world above that of the law of God, yet they kept the people in bondage, while leading them astray and was very displeased with Jesus when He dared to heal people in the temple.

Paul continued to preach the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection and while many believed, others refused to believe.  The Jewish people were debating among each other, even after hearing from the law of Moses and the Prophets through his teachings, showing them clearly what was prophesied regarding the Messiah.

In Leviticus God’s people are told that He will bless them and not reject them, should they remain obedient and keep His statutes.  We can learn much from the laws of the Old Testament regarding obedience and even though we might believe that we are “free in Christ” (as it is written), we are under His law that has been written on our hearts.  This should be obvious as one cannot be lawless and think there will not be any consequences.

The Lord was very clear about the penalties for disobedience and even if we think He was harsh towards His own people, our feelings do not come into the equation, because He is God and He makes the rules. 

Let us praise God and live according to His commandments.  Clap your hands and raise a hallelujah for “the Lord most High is to be feared, a great King over all the earth”.  Sing praises for “God reigns over the nations and sits on His holy throne.”

Your body is a temple of God and we are called to be Holy, for God is holy.    The reward for obedience is much greater than you can ever imagine and it might not necessarily seem to have an impact in this life, but you can be sure that it will impact your destiny.

God does not seek sacrifices nor offerings, but obedience and without obedience it is impossible to please Him,  The reward for obedience is everlasting life.  Something that is foreign to the world and those who believe everything simply stops when this life comes to an end.

We need to seek our first love again and return to the God of our salvation.  My prayer is that the Lord will soften your heart and open your mind to the meaning and understanding of His Word so that you will not lose your reward and instead sit down with Him at the wedding feast prepared for us when He returns. 

“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” (Rev 22 v 17).

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation“