Obedience even when it doesn’t make sense
Why is obedience important in the Bible? This question often comes up when we reflect on the lives of Abraham, Mary, and Joseph. Their stories show us the power of trusting God even when His plans seem illogical.
We live in a world full of logic and reason.
If something doesn’t make sense, we often think it’s not from God. We grab a scripture we like, attach it to our plans, and make it look like it’s from Him.
Logic is good, but just because something is logical doesn’t make it biblical.
Isaiah 55:8 says “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
We’re called to obey God even when we don’t understand.
Obedience isn’t just about head knowledge. It’s about trusting His word and His character.
Sometimes, we face situations that don’t go as planned, but even then, we’re still called to obey.
Think about Abraham. Why did Abraham have Ishmael instead of waiting for Isaac? Impatience led him to take matters into his own hands, but God’s plan was clear — it would come through Isaac (Genesis 17:19).
And when Isaac finally came, God asked Abraham to sacrifice him. It made no sense, but Abraham obeyed because he trusted God. He said, “We will go up the mountain, and we will come back.” That’s faith. Obedience requires faith.
Reflect on Why were Mary and Joseph chosen by God? Their unwavering obedience, rooted in faith and trust, teaches us what it means to follow God wholeheartedly.
Obedience Amid Confusion
Mary was a teenager, getting ready to marry Joseph. Suddenly, an angel appeared and told her she would conceive by the Holy Spirit.
Naturally, she asked, “How will this be since I’m a virgin?” (Luke 1:34). It wasn’t doubt but a real question.
She was confused, but she still responded in faith: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38).
Mary didn’t sit back and overthink it. She didn’t say, “Joseph, we’ll just wait and see if this happens.” No. She believed. There’s no logic to this story.
Same way, there’s no logic to our salvation.
How do you know you’re saved? You can’t explain it logically, but you know it in your heart because of faith.
Obedience Despite Risk
Joseph’s situation raises an important question: Why did Joseph choose to stay with Mary?
Discovering his fiancée was pregnant — and knowing the child wasn’t his — was a major challenge. But Joseph trusted God’s guidance.
According to Mosaic Law, he could have exposed Mary, which might have led to her death. But Joseph was a just man. He planned to quietly end the engagement. Then an angel appeared and told him the truth: Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Joseph obeyed without hesitation. He took Mary as his wife and later took Jesus to Egypt when God commanded. Obedience often comes with risks. It’s not always easy, but when God calls, we trust Him over logic.
Obedience as an Act of Worship
For Mary and Joseph, obedience wasn’t just about doing what they were told.
It was worship.
Mary praised God with her song in Luke 1:46-55, even as she faced social stigma. Joseph obeyed God every time an angel appeared to him, no matter the inconvenience.
True obedience flow from the heart, not just the head.
Why does God want obedience? Because it reflects our faith and trust. When belief is anchored to obedience, His word comes alive in our lives.
Obedience for a Greater Purpose
Mary and Joseph’s obedience wasn’t just for their benefit.
Their faithfulness laid the foundation for God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, transforming humanity for eternity.
Their faithfulness impacted humanity for generations.
In the same way, our obedience can have a ripple effect, touching lives in ways we may never see.
Ask yourself:
What steps of obedience is God asking of me today?
Why is trusting God so hard when life doesn’t make sense?
How can I trust His plan over my understanding?
Can I commit to saying, “I am the Lord’s servant” and trust Him with the outcome?
God’s plans are higher than ours. He is faithful. Even when obedience feels impossible, inconvenient, or risky, say yes to Him. Trust His word. Trust His character. He loves you, and His plans are for your good.
Watch the full sermon to understand obedience, faith, and trust.
