Will You Obey Jesus?

Joe R. Price
Obedience results from recognizing the authority one has over you plus a willingness to yield to that authority. We obey the laws of the land because we recognize the authority of civil government and we willingly comply with its laws and ordinances.
Jesus is obeyed because of his authority. He calls upon us to willingly yield to his authority and obey him today.
1) The wind and the sea obey Jesus. “And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, "Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (Lk. 8:25) Jesus possesses power over the elements, being both their Creator and Sustainer (Jno. 1:3; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:3). Should we not learn from the wind and the waves to instantly obey when the Lord commands us?
2) The unclean spirits obey Jesus. “Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.’” (Mk. 1:27; also 9:25-26) The demons tremble with fear before the power of God and His Son (Jas. 2:19; Lk. 8:27-31). Should we not tremble before the great power of God and obey when the Lord commands us?
3) Diseases obey Jesus. “The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.’” (Matt. 8:8). Christ’s power over illness and infirmities was completely obeyed when He said the word. Should we not completely obey when the Lord commands us?
4) Death obeys Jesus. He commanded Lazarus to “come forth” and death released its grip (Jno. 11:43-44). When Jesus comes again He will command all the dead to come out of the graves, and it will be so (Jno. 5:28-29). Should we not learn from death and fully obey when the Lord commands us?
Why then do so many people disobey Jesus? Why do the elements, the evil spirits, disease and death obey Him, yet most people will not? One reason is free will. We must choose to obey Jesus with our whole heart. Without a willing heart we will never properly obey Jesus (Matt. 15:7-9).
Jesus saves those who obey Him (Heb. 5:9). One does not know God and love God if he or she is disobeying Jesus: “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work” (Titus 1:16). Be numbered among the faithful disciples and obey all Jesus commands (Matt. 28:18-20). Your profession of faith is genuine when you are always obeying Jesus.