(Be) Blessed: Creating a Covenant Lifestyle With God预览

God’s blessing comes within His covenant, and when we are obedient with our part in the covenant, some powerful things happen. Yesterday, we looked at how our obedience establishes a firm foundation. Today, we look at two more outcomes of obedience.

First, our obedience creates greater intimacy with God.

We have the privilege of connecting with God personally, and it’s important that we do so that when a “Yes, Lord” opportunity comes. There will be no hesitation in our response because we know it’s His voice we’re hearing.

When Moses first hears the voice of God after fleeing Pharaoh's palace to the land of Midian, he is called by God to liberate the Israelites. But before God gives him instructions and strategies, He makes a point to establish a connection with him.

The word afraid in verse Exodus 3:6 when translated into Hebrew actually means that Moses stood in awe and reverence before the Lord.

Our “yes” to God -- whether it’s dealing with unforgiveness, letting go of things that aren’t serving us, or stepping into something new -- helps us draw closer to Him. But it begins with our heart posture and desire to pursue a deeper relationship with Him and hear His voice.

Our obedience also attracts the attention of the Lord.

Moses’ obedience to the Lord laid the foundation for his assistant, Joshua. Joshua is known for many great accomplishments, but the secret to his success was his desire to be close to God. Scripture tells us that during his time of mentorship under Moses, Joshua loved to dwell in the presence of God. God used those moments of lingering to prepare Joshua for a future he likely did not expect.

As the Israelites approached the Land of Canaan, which was promised to them by God through Abraham more than 200 years earlier, twelve scouts went out to assess the land. While the majority focused on doubt and discouragement, warning that they should not go into the land, Joshua and Caleb gave a report of bold faith that the land was good, and God would be with them.

Joshua had seen what God could do, and in response, he prioritized time with God by lingering in His presence. His obedience led him to confidently stand on the promises of God that they would inhabit the Promised Land. Joshua’s faith and his obedience drew the attention of the Lord, and before Moses died, He commissioned Joshua to take his place to lead the Israelites. Like Joshua, when we walk readily in a willingness to be obedient, we also draw the attention of the Lord.