Obedience first, understanding second

This morning when I was preaching I noticed something in the passage we were looking at.  It wasn't the point of the sermon so I mentioned it quickly but I definitely think it bears looking at more closely. Here's the verse that stuck out to me:  

        "...That day the Spirit led him [Simeon] to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, ²⁸ Simeon was there..." Luke 2:27,28 

On an ordinary day, full of all its normal routine and schedule, Holy Spirit prompted Simeon to go the the Temple.  There was no explanation of why he was to do this, just the nudging of God towards a certain direction.  It was only once he was there that it became clear why Holy Spirit had directed him there. (he encountered Jesus)

What I noticed in reading this was that God desires a readiness in us to obey first and understand second. Our understanding of what God is doing in our lives comes AFTER our obedience not before it.  The other way around (understanding first and then obedience) would probably be easier but definitely not require the same amount of faith.

So the challenge before me is, am I willing to interrupt the schedule and normalcy of my life to respond to a prompting of Holy Spirit without even knowing why?  It's clear from this passage that it is the person who is willing to do this who will encounter and embrace Jesus.

This will probably be a sermon at some point next year so consider this a sneak peak.

 

 

Comments

[Colleen Yrjana]

Thanks, great sermon. Looking forward to 2011.http://colleen-lifehappens.blogspot.com/ The decision to participate...

[Hansenadventures.wordpress.com]

That is a great word Scott - I can relate to this with regards to our prayer assignment from Port Hardy to Victoria - it made a whole lot more sense after than before and after we stepped out God immediately began to clarify and give further insight. Does this not sober us to consider what may be missed by our reluctance or by being dominated by our senses rather than faith. Should be a good preach !