Friday 8 November, 2019

27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” 28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Wow, most of us would think how blessed Jesus’ mother Mary was to have been chosen to bear the Son of God. We would hardly dare to compare ourselves to her in the special blessing she received with that calling.  But Jesus turns it around here in this statement and says to each one of us that we can be just as blessed if we will do one thing (well, two things actually): hear the word of God and obey it. Really??

That challenges my thinking. I believe that Jesus is saying here, it’s not just the “special” people (like Jesus’ mother) who are significant in this life. It can be each one of us… each person doing the things that God has called them to, obeying the voice of the Holy Spirit. That is the definition of a significant life. It’s not found in position or status, but simply in doing what God has called us to do.

Significance is one of our deepest longings. We all want to feel like our life will count for something here on earth, and in this simple statement Jesus has just given us the answer. You will have a significant (blessed) life if you hear God’s word and obey it.

That inspires me and challenges me. What is God calling me to do today? Am I working to my own agenda or am I listening to the voice of the Spirit and obeying Him?

Lord, help me to listen to Your voice and obey. Help me to align myself with your plans and your calling for me and to find my significance in You and nothing else.

Written by Shelley Witt