Irvin Wasswa- Tylertown Campus Pastor LHBC

Matthew 3:13-17

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Roger Staubach, star Quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys back in the 70s admitted to a time during his playing days with the Cowboys that was tough on him as a player. Though he won several Super Bowls with the storied franchise, there were times during his career where he struggled playing for the team. One time he shared about how during his tenure with the Cowboys he hardly ever got the chance to call plays for the offense, which was rather unusual for someone playing his position. He would have to run all the plays he received from the coach, having no real power to run the offense. He admitted that his pride was a struggle during those years. However, one truth he did reveal several years later was that after awhile he was able to get over his pride and be obedient to his coach’s orders. He stated that once he learned to obey there was “harmony, fulfillment, and victory” in his craft.

Ol’ Roger Staubach understood the value of obedience didn’t he? In the same way Jesus of Nazareth understood the call to be obedient in his life. In Matthew 3 we see him interacting with John the Baptist in what was the beginning of his earthly ministry. Jesus came to meet John the Baptist to get baptized. Why? Did he need to be baptized? He was the Son of the living God! There was no need for him to get baptized right? He desired to be baptized out of obedience to God the father.

See Jesus understood the importance of obedience. He was getting baptized out of obedience to the Father. Now first off understand that the ordinance of baptism is not done to earn our salvation, but rather it is an outward expression of an inward reality (Romans 6:2-4). We are declaring to the world that we identify with Jesus and that He is Lord of our life. Here is the thing though, we also take that step in believer’s baptism out of obedience to the command of the Lord has given us. It is the first step of obedience, but our obedience does not end there. As we journey on in our walk with Jesus, we ought to seek to be obedient to Him when he calls us.

Obedience to God is important because it is through our obedience that He is pleased with us. For many of us we believe we please God in how “spiritual” we become. I attend this many church events, or I know this much bible, but in reality you are deliberately walking in disobedience to Him because you are not giving (Malachi 3:10), or you have ignore the Spirit of God leading you to serve, to share, or to go. Doing things for God while living in disobedience to Him does not please Him. The Lord delights in obedience more so than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22), and so the call for you and me today is to choose to walk in obedience when He calls.

Though walking in obedience is difficult, the reality is when we choose to walk in obedience, we have harmony with the Father, we experience peace with Him; but most importantly we please the Lord. Where are you today in your walk with God? Are you walking in disobedience to the Lord today? The good news is that if you are you can choose to repent and follow Him on the path of obedience today. Listen, let us choose to be people who are about seeking to please the Lord, walking in obedience to what he calls us to do every single day of our life.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your love for me. Help me to be pleasing to You today by choosing to walk in obedience to you and what you call me to do today. May the pattern of my life be to choose obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
1 Samuel 15:22 (NLT)
But Samuel replied,
“What is more pleasing to the Lord:
    your burnt offerings and sacrifices
    or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
    and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.