“Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:”-Acts 26:19
Most any parent will tell you that there are few things as satisfying as an obedient child (especially in public). When you can give a commandment whether it be a “do” or “don’t” commandment and that commandment is immediately followed; it brings a wonderful feeling. It should bring a wonderful feeling, because obedience is a fundamental part of the relationship between a good parent and child. The parent is tasked with the raising of children. In order to effectively fulfill that task, the children must obey the parent. The bottom line is the parent knows what is best for the children, and the children must submit to the teaching and in obedience follow the guidance of the parent. This is a part of the bedrock of the relationship, and the same is true between us and God.
Saul, before he was Paul was disobedient. Although he did it ignorantly and in unbelief; he was still disobedient. He went about not having his own righteousness but trying to establish it. He established it by being so zealous concerning the letter of the old law, and in his zeal tried desperately to destroy Christianity. A Christianity that in his own mind was contrary to the law and his righteousness. The same is true today, but instead of the law we have social norms, political ideals, consumerism, feminism, gay and lesbianism, and the list goes on and on. Ultimately, if we don’t heed the commandment of God, we are all trying to simply establish our own righteousness (the church is not exempt either). This effort to establish our own way leads us and as it led him, to do terrible things against Christ. This went on in Saul’s life until Christ struck him down on the road to Damascus and called him with a heavenly vision. Saul responded with “who are thou Lord?” indeed, it was the same Jesus whom Saul persecuted and so vehemently fought against. Jesus made this clear by replying “I am Jesus whom thou persecute, it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” God would soon change his name to Paul and call him to preach. He was not disobedient to that heavenly vision. He went forth putting it all on the line and preached the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. The obedience to the fist vision setting the course for all the many promptings and leadings from the Spirit that would eventually follow. The same goes for us when God the Father comes to us and convicts us of our own sin; showing us his righteousness and exposing our unrighteousness; it is a vision; it is a statement of truth. The choice comes to us and now what are we to do with it? Will we be obedient or disobedient? Will we reject the truth and turn to our own way again, or submit and follow Jesus? If we reject him then we face the wrath and judgment of a just God but if we follow him then we can find blessing and a home in heaven. There is no salvation to the disobedient but only to the obedient. Furthermore, once you do follow Christ and have received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, there is a need to hear His voice and heed His call. No matter what popular opinion is or what seems logical at the time, do not be disobedient. The influence of the Holy Ghost is the voice of God that leads His children. Obedience being part of the bedrock of the relationship. Like a parent with their child.
When we obey, we find in obedience that he is indeed a loving heavenly Father that is there for us and will: lead us, guide us, bless us, care for us, and give peace. Obeying God is so much better than serving sin. For the “wages of sin is death.” Also, we give glory to the Father when we obey. As a parent delights in an obedient child because it glorifies the parent, so God delights in us when we obey Him, and he is a good, loving Father worthy of all obedience.
