167 Sermon Illustrations on Obedience

Kamikaze is the Japanese word for "divine wind." And divine the wind was in 1281--never was a typhoon more God-sent, if one were Japanese. The typhoon crushed the invasion fleet mounted by the ambitious Mongol emperor Kublai Khan (Marco Poli Kublai) in the wake of his conquest of China's Sung dynasty. To take the wind out of the sails of the United States naval juggernaut, the retreating Japanese organized their own kamikaze in World War II--a suicide air force. Navy pilots slammed their bomb-laden planes--and themselves--into American ships in the Pacific. Twelve hundred pilots killed themselves taking out thirty-four U.S. ships. (Beyond Trivia) Today, we need "Christian Kamikazes" who will take the faith anywhere the "divine wind" blows regardless of the cost. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die."

In Borneo in 1964 Nepalese fighters known as Gurkhas were asked if they would be willing to jump from airplanes into combat against the Indonesians. The Gurkhas didn't clearly understand what was involved, but they bravely said they would do it, asking only that the plane fly slowly over a swampy area and no higher than 100 feet. When they were told that the parachutes would not have time to open at that height, the Gurkhas replied, "Oh, you didn't mention parachutes before!"

{see #1752 for a fuller variant}

The most unreasonable threat I ever made to my parents was in response to one of the things parents are always telling their children to do. Every night, right in the middle of my favorite TV program (my favorite being what was on at the moment) they would say, "Time for bed." I would usually argue. But on one particularly inspired occasion I replied, "I'll go to bed this time. But when I'm on my own, I'm staying up forever."

I have not been able to make good on that threat. But in my youthful fantasies of revenge, I planned to one day call my parents to get back at them for all their "unreasonable" rules and show them just what I could do as a man on my own. "Hello, Mom. It's 4:30 a.m. Nothing's wrong, but I just wanted to let you know I

didn't go to bed tonight. And guess what, Dad? The refrigerator door is wide open. And every light in the house is on. I played outside today in the street and I was barefooted the whole time. I didn't brush my teeth or take a bath, Mom. My room is a mess with all my clothes scattered all over the floor. I used a hammer today, Dad, and I didn't put it back where I found it. And right this minute, I'm watching TV and I'm sitting only 4 inches from the screen." That would've shown them!

Now that I am 36 and on my own, guess how many of those parental rules I break? You got it. Zero. And amazingly, I don't even want to.

Paul says mature Christians put away childish things (1 Cor. 13:11). And as we grow in Christ and let his Word richly dwell in us, we too will find we don't want to do ungodly things that we might have earlier desired. The psalmist explains, "Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). It's not that we will receive anything we can think of, it's that God will place the desires in our hearts.

--Ernie Thigpen (Spartanburg, SC)

-- Chuck Swindoll who said, in his book, Improving Your Serve:

“To make the value of obedience just a practical as possible, let’s play ‘Let’s Pretend.’ Let’s pretend that you work for me. In fact, you are my executive assistant in a company that is growing rapidly. I’m the owner and I’m interested in expanding overseas. To pull this off, I make plans to travel abroad and stay there until a new branch office gets established. I make all the arrangements to take my family and move to Europe for six to eight months. And I leave you in charge of the busy stateside organization. I tell you that I will write you regularly and give you directions and instructions. I leave and you stay.

Months pass. A flow of letters are mailed from Europe and received by you at the national headquarters. I spell out all my expectations.

Finally, I return. Soon after my arrival, I drive down to the office and I am stunned. Grass and weeds have grown up high. A few windows along the street are broken. I walk into the Receptionist’s room. She is doing her nails, chewing gum and listening to her favorite disco station. I look around and notice the wastebaskets are overflowing. The carpet hasn’t been vacuumed for weeks, and nobody seems concerned that the owner has returned. I asked about your whereabouts and someone in the crowded lounge area points down the hall and yells, “I think he’s down there.” Disturbed, I move in that direction and bump into you as you are finishing a chess game with our sales manager. I ask you to step into my office, which has been temporarily turned into a television room for watching afternoon soap operas.

“What in the world is going on, man?”

“What do you mean, Chuck?”

“Well, look at this place! Didn’t you get any of my letters?”

“Letters? Oh yes! Sure! I got every one of them. As a matter of fact, Chuck, we have had a letter study every Friday night since you left. We have even divided the personnel into small groups to discuss many of the things you wrote. Some of the things were really interesting. You will be pleased to know that a few of us have actually committed to memory some of your sentences and paragraphs. One or two memorized an entire letter or two - Great stuff in those letters.”

“OK. You got my letters. You studied them and meditated on them; discussed and even memorized them. But what did you do about them?”

“Do? We didn’t do anything about them.”

Dave Bosewell in HOW LIFE IMITATES THE WORLD SERIES tells a story about Earl Weaver, former manager of Orioles and how he handled Reggie Jackson. Weaver had a rule: No one could steal a base

unless he was given the steal sign. Upset Jackson--felt he knew pitchers well enough to know when to steal himself. One game he decided to steal without a sign. Got good jump. Made it easily. Smiled with delight, feeling he had vindicated himself. Weaver later took Jackson aside and explained why he hadn't given the

steal sign. First: next batter was Lee May--best power hitter other than Jackson. When Jackson stole 2nd--left 1st open. Other team walked May intentionally--taking bat out of his hands. Second: Next batter was not strong vs. that pitcher, so Weaver felt he had to send in a pinch hitter to try to drive men on base in. That left Weaver w/o bench strength for later in game when he needed it. THE PROBLEM WAS JACKSON SAW ONLY HIS RELATIONSHIP TO PITCHER AND CATCHER. WEAVER WAS WATCHING THE WHOLE GAME!

Steve Farrar in Point Man talks about the Montana-Rice principle. One of most dangerous passing combinations in NFL history. 2 components: 1) Joe Montana has authority over Jerry Rice; 2) Jerry Rice submits to Joe Montana's authority. When Montana calls an audible at line of scrimmage Jerry doesn't yell: "That's the most stupid play I ever heard in my life!" Give & take--submission is the key.

“Master, where shall I work today?”

And my love flowed warm and free.

Then he pointed out a tiny plot

And He said, “Work there for me.”

But I answered quickly, “Oh, no, not there!

Not anyone could see,

No matter how well my task is done.

Not that small place for me!”

His voice, when He spoke, it was not stern.

But He answered me tenderly:

“Disciple, search that heart of thine.

Are you working for them, or for me?

Nazareth was just a little place,

And so was Galilee.

"Mr. Shauffler," said the

Russian Ambassador to the old-time missionary in

Constantinople, "I will say to you frankly that my master, the Czar of

all the Russias, will never suffer Christian missions to set their feet in the

Turkish Empire." The old missionary looked at him for a moment, and then

replied, "Your Excellency, my Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, will never ask the

Czar of all the Russias where He may set His feet." And he went on with his

mission unintimidated by any agencies working in the dark against him. He was confident that the living God whose he was and whom he served would

care for His own work. He was careful to do the will of the Lord no matter

what others thought or said.

I have been privileged to pastor a number of wonderful churches filled with godly men and women who love the Lord. I have learned numerous lessons from those with whom I have been privileged to serve. One evening I learned an invaluable lesson about the sufficiency of Scripture from a layman who was my visitation partner.

We were following up with a home visit to a couple who had expressed interest in joining the church. The woman and the man had filled out visitor cards with the same address but with a different last name. The gentleman was not present, and the young lady was a bit nervous during our visit. It was obvious she was concerned about her present living conditions and wanted a little free counseling. My friend indicated that we would be willing to stay as long as necessary to help her deal with issues of concern but that she first needed to answer a few simple questions to help him determine whether we could be of help.

I listened intently as he patiently asked the following three questions: 1) Are you certain that you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? She responded “yes.” 2) Do you believe that the Bible is God’s Word and is sufficient for all our needs? Again she responded in the affirmative. 3) If I show you truth from God’s Word that deals with the issues that concern you, will you obey them immediately and completely? My friend did not elaborate at this point, but the lady began to exclaim that we wouldn’t understand. She pointed to her financial need and loneliness. My friend listened patiently and then started again repeating the three questions.

The implication was obvious. If we pointed her to Scripture which she confessed to be a “sufficient guide” and she refused to obey God’s Word, we had no other advice to give her. It would be like going to the doctor and refusing to follow his prescription.

While you might smile in agreement, let me pose a question: “Is the Bible sufficient for church growth and health?” I’m not suggesting that we don’t need to organize for Bible study and outreach. God is not a God of confusion; He works through orderly strategy. But do we really agree with the Apostle Paul that it is “God who gives the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:7)? And if it is God who actually causes true growth, it only makes sense that we find His design for these matters in His Word. We face the temptation of relying too heavily on the next model, method or marketing strategy to grow our church, rather than looking primarily to Scripture for our growth strategy. I believe that if we search the Scriptures and apply their emphases, we will experience the growth and health the Lord desires. Consider these points with me.

GOD’S WORD -- IN OVERCOMING SPIRITUAL MYOPIA

As I have indicated in earlier articles, I am convinced that a primary obstacle to church health is our spiritual myopia which generates apathy. Many Christians behave as if the church were established to meet their needs and to keep them comfortable and entertained until Christ returns. I refer to this as the “Love Boat Syndrome.” We behave as if the Ship of Zion is the Love Boat. The role of the captain and staff is to entertain and cater to the needs of the passengers while they enjoy a pleasurable cruise to Glory. Everything is fine as long as the food is sufficient, the music restful, the waters calm and no one moves my deck chair. But in reality, the Ship of Zion is a hospital ship and there are no deck chairs on a hospital ship!

So if we are going to cultivate healthy, Kingdom-focused churches, we must challenge this myopic apathy. There is no program and no method which can overcome such apathy. I resolutely believe that nothing changes anyone’s mind and attitude except the Word of God applied by the Spirit of God. Thus, the beginning of changing any church must begin with our knowledge of, and obedience to, the Word of God. This singular conviction has been the guiding strategy of the entire Empowering Kingdom Growth focus. All of the EKG materials are designed to be concentrated studies through which God’s Word changes the heart (“EKG: The Heartbeat of God”), transforms the thinking (“Eternal Impact”), and provides the resources (“Making Change”) through understanding and obedience to God’s eternal truth.

GOD’S WORD -- IN PRODUCING DISCIPLES

In Matthew 28:19, the Risen Lord gave His followers a singular imperative -- “make disciples!” Of course, this imperative is fleshed out through three participles that can be translated “going,” “baptizing” and “teaching.” The context of this command is “all the nations” and “the end of the age.” In other words, it knows no geographical or temporal boundaries. Your church has been given the task of making disciples of the nations. But what else does the Bible tell us about the task?

The starting point of making disciples is the evangelization of those who do not presently know Christ. This has become a sticking point for many churches. Baptisms have been declining since the 60s. Fifty-one percent of Southern Baptist churches baptized five or less in a recent church year. I often hear people complain that people are just unresponsive to the Gospel. Here is where we must allow Scripture to shine its light on our analysis. The Lord told His disciples that “the harvest is abundant, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37). In other words, the seed is good and the ground is receptive, but few are working the field.

Do we believe and obey God’s Word? According to some studies, less than 4 percent of evangelical believers have ever told anyone about their relationship with Christ. Yes, the Word is true; the laborers are few. So what should we do? Let’s follow the Lord’s prescription: “Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:38). Do you have a designed time of prayer when you pray for God to thrust out laborers? We generally resort to tactics of guilt and coercion rather than following God’s prescription. Are we praying for the lost by name? Perhaps we aren’t bringing in the harvest simply because we haven’t recognized and obeyed what the Bible commands.

Do we believe what the Scripture says when it comes to witnessing? Paul declared: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Some people fail to witness because they are too bashful, they believe that evangelism is not their gift or they believe they could never convince anyone to believe. But boldness in witnessing is not a personality trait, but rather a work of the Holy Spirit. Just contrast the timidity of Peter prior to Pentecost with the boldness of Peter after the filling of the Spirit. “Witness” is who we are before it is what we do (Acts 1:8). Further, our job is sowing the seed; only the Spirit can bring conviction and conversion. If we believe the Word, we must appropriate the Spirit’s fullness, tell our story in His power and allow the Gospel to reveal its power for salvation.

Disciples are developed in community through the teaching of God’s Word. It is important to note that God’s Word identifies baptism as the next step in the discipling process. I often paraphrase the word “baptizing” as “congregationalizing.” While we believe in and practice believers’ baptism by immersion, baptism is more involved than the simple act of immersion. It refers to the incorporation of the believer into the body of Christ by the Spirit. Paul declares to the Corinthians: “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body -- whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free -- and we were all made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13). This declaration is followed by the imagery of the human body and the declaration that God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body as He chose (1 Corinthians 12:18). In other words, it is the activity of the Spirit that knits new believers to the body.

But after they have been brought in, what discipling program do we use as we teach them to observe all things? Here again, we must believe that Scripture is sufficient. Listen again to these familiar verses: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We speak often of the inspiration and inerrancy of God’s Word, but do we truly believe that it is “profitable?” Is it sufficient and powerful, adequate to equip us for every good work? Is it enough for our teaching and equipping efforts?

The Word can do what we can never do. It can judge the thoughts and intentions of men, shattering unbelief and challenging spiritual apathy. “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

GOD’S WORD -- IN LINKING SUPERNATURAL POWER AND HUMAN EFFORT

How does God accomplish His supernatural work through His Word in our churches? Paul writes about this process in several of his letters. When Paul explains the ministry of Apollos and himself in Corinth, he describes them as servants and gives God the credit for all the growth that occurred through their ministry (1 Corinthians 3:5-9). Don’t be confused. Paul is not belittling his work in sowing or Apollos’ work of watering. He actually refers to himself as a “wise master builder,” who served according to God’s grace. We are the instruments through whom God manifests His activity on planet earth.

In case you think he was only talking about apostles and “ordained ministers,” he warns each to be careful how he builds (1 Corinthians 3:10). We are all “graced” to build upon the foundation which God Himself laid with the death of His Son.

Paul provides even more detail in Ephesians 4:11-16 when he indicates that the work of the pastor/teacher is to equip saints for the work of ministry. It is through the ministry of every individual part, empowered by its head, Christ, that the body builds itself. Listen to the Word of God: “From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part” (4:16).

Do we believe that God’s Word is true? Do we believe it is sufficient? If we respond with the affirmative, then the healthy growth of your church is not dependent on human cunning or strategy, but in working in cooperation with the purposes of God through the power of the Spirit as we seek to know and apply the living Word of God.

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[Original illustration at this number was a duplicate of HolwickID #8029]

An elephant in battle on the plains of India was a standard bearer, carrying on his huge back the royal ensign; the rallying point of the Poona host. At the beginning of the fight his master gave him the word to halt, and received a fatal wound and fell, where he lay under a heap of slain. The obedient elephant stood still while the battle closed round the standard he carried. He never stirred, refusing either to advance or retire as the conflict became fiercer; until the Mahrattas, seeing the standard flying steadily, refused to believe they were being beaten, and rallied again and again. All this while the patient animal stood, straining its ears to catch the sound of the voice it would never hear again. At length the tide of conquest left the field deserted; the Mahrattas pursued the flying foe; but the elephant, like a rock, stood with the dead and dying, and the ensign waving in its place. Three days and nights it remained where its master had commanded it to halt. No bribe nor threat could move it. They sent then, a hundred miles away, and brought the master’s son. The noble hero seemed to remember how his master sometimes gave his authority to the little child, and with shattered trappings clanging, went quietly, slowly away.

A father asked his grown son to bring in a "backlog." The son was a

little out of humor and refused. Said he, "I will not do it." Then the

father firmly but kindly said, "Son this is grievous to me but you

must be obedient to me as long as you remain at home. Take your

choice." The young man left in a rage. A few days later, about the

time the sun was setting, the young man came back. The father said

kindly, "Son, the backlog is still out there; bring it in!" He

immediately obeyed, and fellowship was restored. Has the Lord asked

you to do something. "Bring in the backlog?" Have you refused? There

is just one way back to God and fellowship. Bring in the backlog and

things will be all right. Then you will feel so much better.

By William Moses Tidwell, "Effective Illustrations."

"Why should there always be this fear and slaughter between us?" said the Wolves to the Sheep. "Those evil-disposed Dogs have much to answer for. They always bark whenever we approach you and attack us before we have done any harm. If you would only dismiss them from your heels, there might soon be treaties of peace and reconciliation between us." The Sheep, poor silly creatures, were easily beguiled and dismissed the Dogs, whereupon the Wolves destroyed the unguarded flock at their own pleasure.

Yes, Satan call tell Christians, "Ah, don't obey the Commandments. Go ahead and sleep in on Sunday mornings. O, come on, this little 'sin' won't hurt anyone, etc." However, Satan's sole purpose is not to help us, but to destroy us!

Obedience is seeking God with your whole heart. Performance is having

a quiet time because you'll feel guilty if you don't.

Obedience is finding ways to let the word of God dwell in you richly.

Performance is quickly scanning a passage so you can check it off your

Bible reading plan.

Obedience is inviting guests to your home for dinner. Performance is

feeling anxious about whether every detail of the meal will be

perfect.

Obedience is following God's prompting to start a small group, Bible

study or relationship. Performance is reluctance to let anyone else

lead the group because they might not do it as well as you would.

Obedience is doing your best. Performance is wanting to be the best.

Obedience is saying yes to whatever God asks of you. Performance is

saying yes to whatever people ask of you.

Obedience is following the promptings of God's spirit. Performance is

following a list of man-made requirements.

Obedience springs from a fear of God. Performance springs from a fear

of failure.

Bible teacher Donald Grey Barnhouse (1895-1960) told the following

story: A young son of a missionary couple in Zaire was playing in the

yard. Suddenly the voice of the boy's father rang out from the porch,

"Philip, obey me instantly! Drop to your stomach!" Immediately the

youngster did as his father commanded. "Now crawl toward me as fast

as you can!" The boy obeyed. "Stand up and run to me!" Philip

responded unquestioningly and ran to his father's arms.

As the youngster turned to look at the tree by which he had been

playing, he saw a large deadly snake hanging from one of the branches!

At the first command of his father, Philip could have hesitated and

asked, "Why do you want me to do that?" Or he could have casually

replied, "In a minute." But his instant obedience without questioning

saved his life!

Everybody longs for freedom. But for many people its pursuit leads to bondage. The greatly loved Bible teacher Henrietta Mears knew the secret of true freedom, and she wanted her students to know it too. With young people in mind, she said, “A bird is free in the air. Place a bird in the water and he has lost his liberty. A fish is free in the water, but leave him on the sand and he perishes. He is out of his realm. So, young people, the Christian is free when he does the will of God and is obedient to God’s command. This is as natural a realm for God’s child as the water is for the fish, or the air for the bird.”

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Another version by David Jeremiah:

Greatly loved Bible teacher, Henrietta Mears, once said to a classroom of students, “A bird is free in the air. Place a bird in the water, and he has lost his liberty. A fish is free in the water, but leave him on the sand and he perishes. He is out of his realm. So, young people, the Christian is free when he does the will of God and is obedient to God’s command. This is as natural a realm for God’s child as the water is for the fish, or the air for the bird.”

As David Jeremiah observes: “Notice Mears did not say obedience is ‘easy’ for God’s child, but natural. In other words, it is where we belong and thrive. When we resist being obedient, we put ourselves in bondage to sin and take ourselves out of God’s blessing. When we decide to obey, we are free in Christ Jesus, knowing we are exactly where we are supposed to be.

“The next time you feel like a fish out water in your relationship with the Lord, thrust yourself back into the waters of obedience and flourish with His blessing!”

________

Turning Point Daily Devotional, 8/22/08; from PreachingNow internet newsletter, 8/26/08.

A Pizza, a Party, and a Moonlight Ride Jenny was so happy about the house they had found. For once in her life 'twas on the right side of town. She unpacked her things with such great ease. As she watched her new curtains blow in the breEze. How wonderful it was to have her own room. School would be starting, she'd have friends over soon. There'd be sleep-overs, and parties; she was so happy It's just the way she wanted her life to be. On the first day of school, everything went great. She made new friends and even got a date! She thought, "I want to be popular and I'm going to be, Because I just got a date with the star of the team!" To be known in this school you had to have a clout, And dating this guy would sure help her out. There was only one problem stopping her fate. Her parents had said she was too young to date. "Well, I just won't tell them the entire truth. They won't know the difference; what's there to lose?" Jenny asked to stay with her friends that night. Her parents frowned but said, "All right." Excited, she got ready for the big event But as she rushed around like she had no sense, She began to feel guilty about all the lies, But what's a pizza, a party, and a moonlight ride? Well the pizza was good, and the party was great, But the moonlight ride would have to wait. For Jeff was half drunk by this time. But he kissed her and said that he was just fine. Then the room filled with smoke and Jeff took a puff. Jenny couldn't believe he was smoking that stuff. Now Jeff was ready to ride to the point But only after he'd smoked another joint. They jumped in the car for the moonlight ride, Not thinking that he was too drunk to drive. They finally made it to the point at last, And Jeff started trying to make a pass. A pass is not what Jenny wanted at all (and by a pass, I don't mean playing football). "Perhaps my parents were right....maybe I am too young. Boy, how could I ever, ever be so dumb." With all of her might, she pushed Jeff away: "Please take me home, I don't want to stay." Jeff cranked up the engine and floored the gas. In a matter of seconds they were going too fast. As Jeff drove on in a fit of wild anger, Jenny knew that her life was in danger. She begged and pleaded for him to slow down, But he just got faster as they neared the town. "Just let me get home! I'll confess that I lied. I really went out for a moonlight ride." Then all of a sudden, she saw a big flash. "Oh God, Please help us! We're going to crash!" She doesn't remember the force of impact. Just that everything all of a sudden went black. She felt someone remove her from the twisted rubble, And heard, "Call an ambulance! These kids are in trouble!" Voices she heard...a few words at best. But she knew there were two cars involved in the wreck. Then wondered to herself if Jeff was all right, And if the people in the other car were alive. She awoke in the hospital to faces so sad. "You've been in a wreck and it looks pretty bad." These voices echoed inside her head, As they gently told her that Jeff was dead. They said "Jenny, we've done all we can do. But it looks as if we'll lose you too." "But the people in the other car!?" Jenny cried. "We're sorry, Jenny, they also died." Jenny prayed, "God, forgive me for what I've done I only wanted to have just one night of fun." "Tell those people's family, I've made their lives dim, And wish I could return their families to them." "Tell Mom and Dad I'm sorry I lied, And that it's my fault so many have died. Oh, nurse, won't you please tell them that for me?" The nurse just stood there ~ she never agreed. But took Jenny's hand with tears in her eyes And a few moments later Jenny died. A man asked the nurse, "Why didn't you do your best To bid that girl her one last request?" She looked at the man with eyes oh so sad. "Because the people in the other car were her mom and dad." This story is sad and unpleasant but true, So young people take heed, it could have been you.

The Gospel of John makes a distinction:

In John 1-12 the focus is on the unsaved, and the message is “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” (John 1:7,12; 3:15-16,18; 4:39; 5:24; 6:35,47; 7:38; 8:24; 9:35; 10:38; 11:26). When the unsaved asked about doing the works of God, Christ replied, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29). That is the only work God will accept from the unsaved.

In chapter thirteen, though, Christ turns His attention to His own little flock and the theme changes from faith to obedience. “If a man love me, he will keep my words” (John 14:23). This change in the theme of John’s Gospel illustrates the difference between relationship and fellowship. Faith is the prerequisite for relationship; obedience is the requirement for fellowship. Faith is the way to become a child of God; obedience is the way to walk in fellowship with the Father.

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[Original illustration at this number was added to HolwickID #13029]

A husband and wife were discussing the possibility of taking a trip

to the Holy Land:

{Husband:} Wouldn't it be fantastic to go to the Holy Land

and stand and shout the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai?

{Wife: }It would be better if we stayed home and kept them.

A young sentry was on guard duty for the first time. His orders

were not to admit any car unless it had a special identification

seal. The first unmarked car the sentry encountered contained a

general, who became frustrated with the young sentry and told the

driver to go on through.

The sentry politely replied, "Excuse me, sir, but I'm new at this.

Who do I shoot first, you or the driver."

- {Preaching} magazine

A story is told of Jesus and His disciples walking one day along a

stony road. Jesus asked each of them to choose a stone to carry for

Him. John, it is said, chose a large one while Peter chose the

smallest. Jesus led them then to the top of a mountain and commanded

that the stones be made bread. Each disciple, by this time tired and

hungry, was allowed to eat the bread he held in his hand, but of

course Peter's was not sufficient to satisfy his hunger. John gave

him some of his.

Some time later Jesus again asked the disciples to pick up a stone

to carry. This time Peter chose the largest of all. Taking them to a

river, Jesus told them to cast the stones into the water. They did

so, but looked at one another in bewilderment.

"For whom," asked Jesus, "did you carry the stone?"

\bold{Source: }{These Strange Ashes, } by Elisabeth Elliot

- Michael J. Hostetler, {Illustrating the Sermon, }(Grand

Rapids: Zondervan, 1989) 67

Robert Kupferschmid, 81, had no flying experience. In an emergency, however, he learned quickly how to land a plane.

Kupferschmid and his 52-year-old pilot friend, Wesley Sickle, were flying from Indianapolis to Muncie, Indiana, in June 1998. During the flight, the pilot slumped over the controls. He was dead. The Cessna 172 single-engine plane began to nosedive and Kupferschmid grabbed the controls. He got on the radio and pleaded for help.

Nearby were two pilots who heard the call. Mount Comfort was the closest airport, and the two pilots gave Kupferschmid a steady stream of instructions on climbing, steering, and the scariest part, landing. The two experienced pilots circled the runway three times before this somewhat frantic and totally inexperienced pilot was ready to attempt the landing.

Emergency vehicles were called out for what seemed like an approaching disaster. Witnesses said the plane's nose nudged the center line and bounced a few times before the tail hit the ground. The Cessna ended up in a patch of soggy grass next to the runway. Amazingly, Kupferschmid was not injured.

This pilot listened and followed those instructions as if his life depended on it — because it did. Imagine what would take place in the lives of believers if we listened to and obeyed the Word of God with the same earnestness.

______________________

Gregg Donnelly

Maple Plain, Minnesota

1. I have decided to follow Jesus,

I have decided to follow Jesus,

I have decided to follow Jesus,

No turning back, no turning back!

2. Though no one join me, still I will follow

Though no one join me, still I will follow

Though no one join me, still I will follow

No turning back, no turning back!

3. The world behind me, the cross before me,

The world behind me, the cross before me,

The world behind me, the cross before me,

No turning back, no turning back!

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90-Percent Obedience?

Read: 1 Samuel 15:1-23

Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you. --1 Samuel 15:23

As the father of an elementary-age boy, I think I know why God places so much emphasis on obedience. Boys can get themselves into so much difficulty so easily. I can't imagine the trouble they would get into if they weren't required to obey anyone.

Take, for instance, my rule about crossing the street. Steven knows that he's supposed to stop at the end of the driveway and look both ways-- whether he is riding his bike, rollerblading, or just chasing a ball. I expect 100-percent obedience because I know that it takes only one careless step into the street to jeopardize his safety.

When God sent Saul to attack the Amalekites for what they had done to Israel (Ex. 17:8; 1 Sam. 15:2), He expected the king to obey Him completely. When he didn't, Saul not only failed Israel but he disappointed God. And he had to suffer the results of disobedience. As Samuel told him, God "has rejected you from being king" (v.23).

The Lord, who is a perfect Father, loves us and knows what will work out best in our lives. To show that we trust Him, we need to do all we can to obey what He has told us in the Bible, His Word. He deserves our 100-percent obedience. --JDB

Let your days be Mine to order;

Where I lead, obedient be.

Let your own desires be nothing;

Only seek to follow Me. --Anon.

The cost of obedience is nothing compared to the cost of disobedience.

OBEDIENCE

At a certain Children's hospital, a boy gained a reputation for wreaking havoc with the nurses and staff. One day a visitor who knew about his terrorizing nature made him a deal: "If you are good for a week," she said, "I'll give you a dime when I come again." A week later she stood before his bed. "I'll tell you what," she said, "I won't ask the nurses if you behaved. You must tell me yourself. Do you deserve the dime?"

After a moment's pause, a small voice from among the sheets said: "Gimme a penny."

The Tale Of The Tardy Oxcart

Charles R. Swindoll, Word, p. 413.

August 22, 1998

A Child Like Peter

Read: John 21:12-17

Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" --John 21:17

Do you have a child who seems to hear you only when he wants to? He doesn't hear you the first time you ask him to please bring his math book home so you can help him. Nor does he seem to hear you the second time you mention it. You have to tell him three times.

The apostle Peter was like that. Remember his after-breakfast conversation with Jesus by the Sea of Galilee? As they talked, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Three times He said that if Peter truly loved Him, he would feed His sheep (Jn. 21:15-17).

On another occasion, God repeated an important message to Peter three times (Acts 10). He was shown a vision of a sheet coming down from heaven. On the sheet were animals he had considered unclean. Yet a voice told him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat" (v.13). Not once, not twice, but three times (v.16).

From what we know of Peter, he was a man who was hard to convince. God's patience with him can encourage us to be as longsuffering with others, especially our children. If we have a child like Peter, we need to be persistent--never tiring of instructing him or her in the things that are necessary. After all, Peter turned out all right, don't you think? --JDB

You've been so patient with us, Lord,

Though we are slow to hear;

Give us the grace to show such love

To those we hold so dear. --K. De Haan

Be as patient with your children as God is with you.