Obedience is often seen as a burden
Scripture Focus:
“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.”
— Deuteronomy 28:1–2 (NIV)
Devotional Teaching
Obedience is often seen as a burden—but to God, it’s a bridge. A bridge to blessing, favor, peace, and purpose.
In Deuteronomy 28:1–2, Moses is addressing the people of Israel, preparing them to enter the Promised Land. He gives them a divine blueprint: if they obey God fully, blessings will not only come—they will accompany them. That means the blessings of God don’t just meet us in moments—they walk with us through life.
These verses hold a truth that’s as powerful today as it was then: obedience is the key that unlocks God’s best for us.
1. Obedience: A Heart Response to Grace
Obedience is not about earning salvation or God’s love—those are gifts freely given through Jesus. But obedience is how we respond to God’s grace. It’s how we say, “I trust You, Lord. I want to live by Your ways.”
Jesus illustrated this in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31–46). When the Son of Man separates the nations, the sheep are welcomed because their obedience was lived out in tangible love—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and caring for the imprisoned. The goats, who failed to obey through action, are turned away.
This parable reminds us: obedience is never just words—it’s action. Real obedience shows up in how we live, love, and serve, and those who obey walk into blessing and eternal reward.
2. The Power of “Fully Obey”
Moses didn’t say “if you sometimes obey.” He said “if you fully obey.”
God is not calling us to half-hearted compliance but to wholehearted surrender. Partial obedience is still disobedience.
Jesus highlighted this truth in the Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28–31). A father asked both sons to work in the vineyard. One said “no” but later obeyed; the other said “yes” but never followed through. Jesus asked, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” The answer: the son who obeyed in action, not just in words.
This parable teaches us that obedience is measured by what we do, not merely by what we say. God blesses those who follow through with faithful action.
3. The Rewards of Obedience
Deuteronomy 28 outlines many blessings—but in verses 1–2 alone, we see three powerful promises:
- Elevation – “The Lord your God will set you high above all nations.”
Obedient people stand out. Just like Daniel’s faithfulness in Babylon, obedience sets us apart. - Overflow – “All these blessings will come on you…”
You won’t have to chase blessings—they’ll chase you. - Companionship – “…and accompany you.”
Blessings walk with you daily. Imagine peace showing up in your workplace, joy greeting you at home, and favor following you into unexpected places.
4. Obedience Brings Divine Alignment
When we obey God, we align with His will. That alignment:
- Protects us from danger
- Connects us to purpose
- Positions us to bless others
Your obedience isn’t just about you—it influences your family, coworkers, and community. Like the wise builder, your faithfulness becomes a shelter others can lean on.
5. The Blesser Over the Blessings
We must never confuse the blessings with the Blesser. The gifts are meant to lead us to deeper relationship with God.
Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God… and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). The goal of obedience isn’t to stockpile blessings, but to stay connected to the One who gives them.
The Blessings of Obedience Reflection & Workbook Section
🟦 Personal Reflection Questions:
- What area of your life have you been partially obeying instead of fully surrendering?
- How have you experienced the blessings of obedience in the past?
- Are there commands or convictions from God you’ve delayed acting on? Why?
- What would it look like to make obedience your daily lifestyle, not just an occasional choice?
🟨 Journal Prompt:
Write a prayer of recommitment to obedience. Name specific areas of your life—relationships, finances, habits, attitudes—and invite God to guide you in full obedience.
🟩 Action Step Challenge:
Do a “Full Obedience Inventory.” Write down 3 areas where God may be calling you to greater obedience, then take one concrete step this week to obey Him in each area.