May 22 2017

Here’s a re-visit to one of my favorite childhood stories.
“Pig-Won’t” got his name for repeatedly refusing to do what he was asked to do.
On the other hand, “Pig-Will” got his name by quickly doing everything he was
asked to do. Both pigs soon learned the value of obedience. On Saturday afternoon,
Pig-Will was taken to town, to the ice cream parlor; but, Pig-Will was left at home.
Pig-Won’t learned obedience brings reward!

We also learn through repetition. Repeatedly choosing the same behavior
has good or bad consequences. How many times have we intentionally chosen
to do the wrong thing, even though we know it’s not the best or right thing.
The struggle of spirit overriding the flesh doesn’t just happen. It is learned.
Repeat: It is learned!

Look at this: “…though He (Jesus) was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the
things which He suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8)
This is one of the those scriptures I read and keep on reading. Until now.

Start with the understanding Jesus lived His life in the flesh to set an example for
us to follow. If He learned obedience through suffering, guess what? That is how
we will also learn.

The word “learned” here in the Greek means to experience. We can all talk about
what it means to be obedient, but until we are actually tested on it, we really don’t
know what obedience really is

Throughout all the trials of being betrayed, mocked, beaten and crucified, Jesus
experienced the demands of genuine obedience – ie, self sacrifice! This was not
in words – but in how He responded. He experienced obedience by surrendering
His own desires and will to His Father.
As He continued to submit to His Father’s will, He was rewarded with increased
faith. It was with the eyes of faith, He was able to look beyond the cross and see
the reward of enduring all His suffering. The joy set before Him was knowing He
was the Atonement that would reconcile man back to God. He was the First Born
and Author of our salvation! He is rewarded now to sit enthroned at the right
hand of His Father.

In like manner, our faith will not increase without testing. (Hebrew 12:5-8)
Why do you call Me Lord, when you won’t obey Me? (Luke 6:46)
Our obedience to God can’t be faked. It comes from the realization of His great
love for us while we were still sinners. Our obedience then is an expression of our
thankfulness for His love and sacrifice. When we chose to accept His free gift of
salvation, He fills us with His Holy Spirit, Who empowers and strengthens us to
walk in obedience. Jesus’ example encourages us to remain obedient during tests
and trials. As we keep our eyes on Him, and seek to do His will,
our faith will increase.
It’s a good day when we understand salvation is to all those who obey
the Lord, and the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our salvation!
(Ephesians 1:14)

“If you love Me, obey Me.  (John 14:15)