Learning the lesson of obedience - Jesus did (Luke 2:51) and so must we ... with a story, an observation and a prayer

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:51
Then (Jesus) went down to Nazareth with (Mary and Joseph) and was obedient to them.




STORY:
Every conscientious parent recognizes how difficult it is to exercise his God-given authority over his children. The delicate balance of being tough yet tender is not easy to maintain. Many parents intensify a rebellious spirit by being dictatorial and harsh. Others yield when their authority is tested. When a strong-willed child resists, the pressure to give in for the sake of peace and harmony can become overpowering. I am reminded of the mother who wanted to have the last word but couldn't handle the hassle that resulted whenever she said no to her young son. After an especially trying day, she finally flung up her hands and shouted, "All right, Billy, do whatever you want! Now let me see you disobey THAT!"




OBSERVATION:
Obedience, regardless of age, is difficult. Soldiers learn it in basic training. Their spirit is broken so that they will respond instantly to the voice and order of their commanding officer. It could mean the difference between life and death. Jesus had to learn obedience before he could venture forth as savior. That truth is often lost on us.




We never truly comprehend that this Jesus we worship, this Jesus we call Lord, this Jesus who walked on water, this Jesus who divided the loafs and fishes, this Jesus who called men and women to follow him, this Jesus who gathered children on his lap, this Jesus who called Lazarus to come from the grave, this Jesus who healed individuals, this Jesus who died upon the cross, this Jesus who commands us to go into all the world … this very individual had to learn first the lesson of obedience before he could accomplish what he was sent here to earth to do. The first lesson of spiritual maturity is obedience.




For the rest of us, we think the first lesson is learning how to say “NO” and to follow it with a force of spirit and a strong determination to get our way. We don’t like the idea of having our spirit broken so that we hear only the voice of our commander, our God, this very one we call Jesus. We like getting our way. We like being our “own” boss. We like being in control. And yet …




PRAYER:
Break our spirit, Lord, break our spirit. Lead us down the path of obedience so that we will truly be free to become all that you are calling us to be. Bring us under your command. Take the rebellious nature from us so that we will learn the lesson of obedience. In the name of the one who was obedient even unto death. Amen.