April 18 – 25, 2025

GOD’S COMMAND CENTER

John 12:49-50 “‘For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life.’”

“The Father told me to, so I do it!” Jesus obeyed God the Father out of humility, love and reverence. When obedience comes from our hearts as Jesus’ did, we humble ourselves out of love for Him. When we hold Him in such reverence and adoration, we find we simply cannot go against what His Word says. Obedience must come at any cost, because we know it cost Jesus everything for us to be in this relationship with the Father!

God’s commands aren’t from a hard, strict God but from a truly caring and loving God who wants us to have a life filled with Him and His abundant blessing. He commands His loving kindness over us (Psalm 42:8). He commands rest (Matthew 11:28). He commands us to love one another (1 John 3:23). He commands us to GO! And make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). He commands repentance (Acts 17:30-31). He commands us to forgive (Mark 11:25). He commands us to love and bless our enemies (Matthew 5:44). He commands us not to worry (Matthew 5:25). He commands us to be holy like Him (1 Peter 1:15).

God’s commands come from His heart. Our response must come from our heart. He never intended life with Him to be a tug of war: God says, “Do this—for Me.” But we say, “No, I don’t want to.” Instead He envisioned: “I love you so much, My child.” “Lord, I love you so much back.” “I need this done.” “Here I am, all of me! I’ll do it!”

Psalm 119 is David’s love letter for the Word of God, David’s passionate plea to help him keep the Word of God, to help him obey His commands. David was willing to do anything. And what did David reap from this passion for God? He has gone down in history and will ever be known as: A man after God’s own heart.

This is an excerpt from a 90-day devotional written by Emil and Karen. To order the full devotional, click on the TO ORDER DEVOTIONAL page.