get outta’ the way!

September 17, 2007 by craig.

Would any of us dare hinder the work of Christ? We would almost instinctively say, “no way - not me! I would never keep God from doing all that He desires in my life, my family, or my church.” But, our personal disobedience in the seemingly “small things” can actually be an obstacle to His will from taking place in this world. That is a major consequence for something we may consider just little ol’ daily decisions.

Mark 1:43-45 gives us an interesting exchange between Jesus and a man He had just healed … “Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: ‘See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.’ Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.”

This man whom Jesus healed from leprosy made the choice to disobey the warning and the instructions Christ gave him. That violation of God’s will resulted in others missing out on what could have been. Blessings, teachings, even healings like he himself had experienced!

Even so, we’ve got to note that Christ’s sovereign plans are never thwarted. He still drew the people to Himself and passed on His intended blessings.

“So what,” you may say. “God’s will was still accomplished. Why make such a huge deal out of this one man’s disobedience?” Put yourself in this man’s shoes. Would you want to be remembered throughout all history as the one who was a hindrance to the perfect will of God in this phase of Jesus’s ministry on planet earth? Think before you act; weigh carefully the outcome of your disobedience. When Christ gives you a clear warning or command, your obedience must be complete, exact, and immediate.

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