“… but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” John 14:31

Jesus expressed his love and respect for his Father through uncompromised obedience. He depended on His Father’s direction. Jesus modeled waiting on the Father – praying and listening for His instructions. He obeyed His Father explicitly even to death. He trusted his Father’s heart, his Father’s will and his Father’s way.

Similarly, the Lord calls us to trust our Father in heaven and obey Him. We too must listen for His voice and follow His instructions. Our Father is to be our source of security, peace, guidance and direction – our source of life itself.

In John 14:15 Jesus declares His obedience to his Father and expresses the importance of our obedience: “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” Jesus continues in verse 21,“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.” In verse 23 Jesus replies, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.”

Three times Jesus reiterates the importance of our obedience. Then the next verse shows the contrast: “He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.” 

Our obedience is not an option. We fool ourselves if we say we love the Lord but don’t obey Him. Have you asked God to be your Father? Do you resist His instructions or do you submit to His Spirit?

Heavenly Father, we bow before You and give you Your rightful place of being our Father – the source of our life. Search our hearts and bring us into alignment with Your will and Your ways.  Give us the power and wisdom to grasp the security of Your love and to submit to Your correction and discipline.  Father us today in Jesus’ name, Amen!

Take Action

Spend time with the Lord in prayer and in His word. Ask Him to bring your heart, mind, and spirit into alignment with Jesus’ declaration – that you too can say, “I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” 

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Tags: Obedience Love