The Greatest Opponent of Obedience Keluarga Allah Daily Devotional August 28, 2016
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THE SOUL
John 19:28-30
TODAY'S RHEMA John 19:30 "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
At one moment, Saul received God's command to attack and destroy Amalekites and to destroy everything, no exception. Saul did kill all Amalekites and all of their livestock, except one person who was their king, King Agag and all of the best selection of sheep to be given as an offering to God; which was their reason in reserving some livestock. When God saw that, do you think God was pleased with Saul's offering? Obviously, God was not pleased. As the result, God refused Saul to be king and handed over the king's position to someone else. Saul spared only one soul compared to the thousands of souls he had killed. Does that mean that God is unjust? Take a look at the following story.
Jehu was a great man whom God sent to eradicate the house of Ahab and Jezebel. Jehu was obedient to do all God's command and God was pleased with him. God has once praised him. However, the problem occurred when Jehu compromised a little with God's command. He left some intact idols in the midst of the Israelites. God wasn't pleased with his action because, in the end, it brought idolatry worship back in the midst of the Israelites.
How does 'little sin' matter compare to the spectacular action done by Saul when he destroyed all of the Amalekites? How does 'little compromise' matter, compare to the great victory Jehu achieved by destroying the family of Ahab and Jezebel? The fact is, that was where the problem lies.
Half-hearted obedience will never please God since it is equal to disobedience. Do not think that God was pleased with Saul's strength and Jehu's victory. God know nothing about compromise. He demands total obedience.
When God sees anyone offers Him a great offering or spectacular ministry and amazing miracles but keeping in their heart any kind of sin and resentment, do you think God will be pleased with all the workds they had done previously? The answer is 'No, He won't be.' To compromise is disobeying His order. The same thing applies to you. It is a mistake if we think that God will be pleased with us while our heart compromising something God has commanded us to do. Therefore, keep your obedience totally, never compromise, and the favor of God shall come upon your life.
REFLECTION Saudara Terkasih, the greatest opponent of obedience is not the disobedience itself but rather the half-hearted obedience.
APPLICATION
Does your heart still compromise with sinful things? Write your commitment to leave those things.
What is the most enlightening rhema from today's devotional? Take note and share to someone else so that you can get strength from God to keep growing in total obedience without compromise.
TODAY'S PRAYER
"God, forgive me for after all this time I turn out to be a disobedient child. On top of that, I still compromise with sins. God, help me to keep walking in total obedience so that Your name is lifted high in my life. In the name of Jesus, Amen."
YEARLY BIBLE READING Genesis 32-34
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