Our Obedience to God's Voice

"Only he who believes is obedient and only he who is obedient believes."  - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

In Exodus 5:1(KJV), Aaron delivers this message to Pharaoh, "...thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness." Pharaoh replies, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice, to let Israel go. I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go," -Exodus 5:2 (KJV).

These words imply, that God was not an Egyptian deity, and consequently not the acknowledged object of Pharaoh's worship. He therefore concluded that he was under no obligation to obey God's voice.

This conclusion teaches us, that ignorance of God is an incredibly immoral act, as it leads to daring rebellion against God; and this, if continued, must be dealt with in a swift and certain destruction, (Proverbs 29:1).

However, the question in Exodus 5:2 (KJV), though first used in an open contempt of God, allows improvement favorable to obedience of God. In attempting to make this improvement under the Divine blessing, let's consider some points that are relative to God's voice; and his just claim to our obedience to it.

As to the voice of God, we mean "the declaration of his will concerning mankind." Therefore,  it may be proper to first consider, "the persons to whom he speaks," and that is you and I (Proverbs 8:4). 

Next, we should look at "the means through which he speaks to us." These are: his works of creation (Psalm 19:1; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20), providence (Romans 2:4; Isaiah 26:9; Micah 6:9), and by his word (Hebrews 1:1, 2; John 12:48; James 2:12). We should also consider "what he says to us." 

God speaks to us in different ways according to our various circumstances as sinful (Isaiah 1:1, 2; Deuteronomy 32:6; Proverbs 15:8, 26; Galatians 3:10; Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 6:21), submissive ( Isaiah 55:6, 7; Matthew 11:28, 29; Isaiah 1:16-18; Psalm 95:7, 8), and redeemed (Micah 6:8; Titus 2:12; Isaiah 40:1; Psalm 84:11) creatures. 

Lastly, we should consider "with what purpose or goal that he speaks to us." This, of course, is to gain our obedience. His works teach us to glorify him as God (Romans 1:21). His word requires practical devotion as our imperative duty (1 Samuel 15:22; Matthew 7:21; James 1:22, 25).

Thus, a prompt obedience is required, without delay (Job 2:21). It must be broad, comprehensive, and without defect (Psalm 119:6). It must be persistent and without interruption (Romans 2:7). Additionally, we cannot overlook the importance of  humility as it pertains to our obedience.

It must be a humble obedience, without arrogance. It must be humble attributed to divine grace (Isaiah 26:12); humbly presented through Christ for acceptance (1 Peter 2:5); and humbly acknowledged as unworthy, at best (Luke 17:10). Such is the obedience that God's voice requires of us.

Scripture: John 14:15; Luke 11:28; Psalm 119:105; John 14:21; Psalm 103:20

Prayer: Dear Lord, may all that we see and experience lead us to grow in wonder and respect, that we may value and be thankful for everything in our lives each and every day, amen.

May God bless you,

Kaye