Learning True Dedication

Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5, ESV

If you have participated in one of the reading plans that take you through the Bible over one year, two or three years, then you may have noticed something: God’s commitment to humanity can be thought of a “long obedience in the same direction.” From Genesis to Revelation it’s more than the stories of people and the human experience that stand out and intrigue but we can see that no matter how trying or difficult, or resistant to God we are and have been, his commitment to us never wanes of waivers, his focus is fixed, his purposes with us never changes: to care for us yes, to help us certainly, to restore, renew, forgive and strengthen us on this earthly journey, emphatically; but more than all of these his faithfulness and commitment remains centered on getting us home to heaven, so he supplies everything we need so we can be there with him for all eternity.

You also are exhibiting something similar, observing that “long obedience in the same direction.” As you live out and hold firmly to your faith in Jesus over your life and as you travel through this world you are set on heaven as well, it is the major goal and desire that underlies and compels. It gives resolve, shapes, determines and persists above all else. Your dedication and focus may not be as perfected as the Lord’s, yet, but with every test and trial it is becoming more so. No matter what you have endured, suffered, lacked, been ridiculed about, you have held fast to your trust in the Savior: in that way you also live and are learning to have that obedience that the Lord desires. Perfection of any area is impossible for sinners—you and I—we are flawed, and our views and scopes are limited but with God, we can learn to look beyond the momentary. We have a lot to learn about flawless dedication, but Christ sets the example for us, and God is guiding us through the Holy Spirit who helps us daily. Let’s Pray

God, grant us that level of dedication we see in our Savior. May we also rejoice to have “that long obedience in the same direction” setting heaven in our spiritual GPS. Amen

Reflective questions for soul-tending:

Life is busy and there is lots to focus on. Does heaven remain your most pressing and major goal and concern?

How will you integrate today’s message into your plan of soul-care?