All of us need to learn the lesson of obedience

Obedience sounds like a simple word to those who have learned its purposes. Yet, how many times have we seen through life lessons the unnecessary trials of disobedience.

My wife and I just arrived home from a visit with our grandchildren in O’Fallon, Illinois. We went for a walk to the park, where children go to run and play. But the trials of emotions that can be experienced when small ones don't listen and grandparents don't understand.

Our grandson, who is 3, was joyfully strolling to the park, as he has done several times with us going to the Trenton Park. When we arrived at the park in O’Fallon, he was despondent and disobedient. We were surprised when we realized he thought he was going to the park in Trenton.

He didn't understand the concept of distance and was challenged to obey.

In Mark 11:2-3, Jesus gives the disciples instructions on finding a colt.

"Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you why are you doing this, say, the Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly."

How many of us have learned and understood the lesson of instruction and obedience?

Noah was righteous, blameless and walked with God. God told Noah to build an ark with detailed instructions. Noah did all that the Lord commanded him. (Genesis 7:5)

God instructed Abraham, "go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.“ (Genesis 12:1) So Abraham went as the Lord instructed him. (Genesis 12:4)

How many trials and conflicts have we experienced because we listened and followed the Lord’s instructions?

The disciples found the colt by following the Lords instructions as everything fell into place.

"Obedience must be the struggle and desire of our life. Obedience, not hard and forced, but ready, loving and spontaneous; the doing of duty, not merely that the duty may be done, but that the soul in doing it maybe come capable of receiving an uttering God." (Phillips Brooks)

"Have faith in God, Jesus answered." (Mark 11:22.)

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