Hebrews 11:6, New International Version

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

There are many whose names are mentioned in the Bible, yet God does not give everyone such a personal description. There are few however, who truly speak volumes to my heart, something that I believe every believer should learn from. An affirmation from God, the Almighty, how could we not desire it!

“…without faith it is impossible to please God…” Paul said it in the book of Hebrews. Faith that can move mountains (Matthew 17:20), faith that rests in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:5). Faith like Abraham that made him to be the father of us all (Hebrews 4:16), and the faith for God to make him righteous, and God to call him “My friend” (Genesis 15:6, Isaiah 41:8, James 2:23).

“…those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Luke 14:11, ESV) The Word says, “…Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). And God spoke with him face to face just like He was speaking to His friend (Exodus 33:11). 

David, was described by God as “a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’” (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22).

What do these three men have in common? Faith? Humility? A heart after the Lord’s? I will say what they have in common is, “Obedience”.

“…Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…” (1 Samuel 15:22)

Why? Listen to that:

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, ESV)

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments…” (! John 5:3, ESV)

“…If anyone loves me, he will keep my word…” (John 14:23, ESV)

This is the key and the only evidence to demonstrate the love we have for God “obedience”. The Word doesn't just mention it, He, Jesus, demonstrated His love for the Father (John 14:31). “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8, ESV)

I definitely hope that we are not one who is described as, “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” (Matthew 15:8, BSB). May the Lord help us.