Obedience Under the Judge

The Lord’s promise does not make men careless; it calls them out. Abraham did not inherit by staying where he was, but by obeying the word that severed him from country, kindred, and his father’s house. As Clement says, “He, in the exercise of obedience, went out from his own country, and from his kindred, and from his father's house, in order that, by forsaking a small territory, and a weak family, and an insignificant house, he might inherit the promises of God.” The same pattern stands in the teaching of Christ: the one who hears must do; the house that stands is built on obedience, not speech.

Yet obedience begins with judgment upon oneself. The psalm does not ask deliverance while hiding evil in the hands. It submits itself to the righteous Judge. So too the Lord forbids the proud eye that examines a brother while sparing its own beam. The narrow way is not found by bold claims, pious words, or by crying “Lord, Lord,” but by repentance, mercy, truthfulness, and endurance.

Ahaz was offered a sign and would not stand firm in faith; nevertheless God gave the sign of the child, Immanuel. Men waver, but God remains faithful to His word. Therefore ask, seek, knock—not for ease, but for the life that bears good fruit. For, as Chrysostom says, “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Matthew 7:16-18” If we would belong to the promised Seed, let us not answer God with excuses, nor our neighbor with harshness, nor trial with panic. Let us answer with obedience.