Busyness does not equate obedience

“Are we so busy serving God with intercessory prayer, generous offerings, orderly services, outreaches, ministry administration, fastings, Bible studies, Christian conferences and conventions that we are missing what He (God) is saying.  Caught up in it all, have we lost the simplicity of hearing His voice and trembling at His Word?”  (The Devil’s Door by John Bevere)

During the early days of Samuel’s ministry, when the word of the Lord was scarce, ministry still continued at the temple.  The priests still observed the religious rituals.  But there was a lack of obedience to God’s Word.  Eli, the high priest, was busy with his religious duties, yet he failed to tremble at God’s Word—His precepts and written law, and he allowed his sons to desecrate the sanctuary of God.  He was busy, but not obedient.  Could it be that the word of the Lord was scarce because when Eli had received a word from the Lord, he did not obey?  When you walk in habitual sin, God will withdraw Himself.  God is a Holy God and He will not abide where there is sin.

What are the characteristics of one who trembles at God’s Word?*

1. Obedience is immediate


2. God’s will is honored above all else.


3. There is no arguing, complaining or pouting.


4. They search for the heartbeat of God.


5. When God’s will is unclear, they wait until it is.


6. They suffer the rejection of friends rather than displease God.


7. They do not add or take away from what God says.


8. There is a reverence for God’s ways and wisdom for there is none greater.

*(Taken from The Devil’s Door)

Obedience is better than sacrifice.  In Isaiah, we see God’s attitude toward sacrifices that are not out of obedience.

“He who kills a bull is as if he slays a man; He who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dog’s neck; He who offers a grain offering, as if he offers swine’s blood; He who burns incense as if he blesses an idol.  Just as they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their own abominations, So will I choose their delusions, and bring their fears on them; Because when I called, no one answered, when I spoke they did not hear; but they did evil before My eyes, and chose that in which I do not delight.” (Isaiah 66:3,4)

“When God called, no one answered.  When He spoke, no one listened!  The people were so busy 'serving God' with religious sacrifices (God called them abominations) that they did not respond in obedience to His voice!  God lamented their choice, saying, ‘They chose sacrifice over listening and obeying My voice.’  He made it clear that His delight is not in sacrifice!" (The Devil’s Door)

We as a church need to get back to the simplicity of obeying the voice of God.  Religion will bring you into bondage, but obedience to God’s voice will bring blessings.  We have complicated Christianity.  We need to get back to the basics—hearing the voice of God and following it.