Moving Towards Greater Levels of Obedience

Eugene Peterson, the author of the paraphrase Bible “The Message,” described following Jesus as “a long obedience in the same direction.” I love his description “a long obedience.” Following Jesus is not a quick race, that starts and in a flash is over. Following Jesus is a long journey. Everyone’s journey is unique in the twists and turns and in length. The idea of “a long obedience in the same direction” connects with me because of my distance running. Every run is different. Every marathon or ½ marathon is different. They each have their challenges. Each one is a “long distance in the same direction.” Your journey with Jesus differs from mine. The obstacles and attitudes you face differ from mine. Only you can travel your journey with Jesus. Others will cheer you on. Others will journey alongside you, some faster and some slower, but your journey is yours alone. One similarity of every journey with Jesus is the journey is always “a long obedience in the same direction.” Every journey includes suffering. No journey with Jesus is void of suffering and pain. We can learn about “long obedience in the same direction,” by looking at Jesus. “Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8 NLT) Jesus learned obedience when he submitted to the accusations, lies, suspicious attitudes, doubt of others, and rejection. He learned obedience when he submitted to execution on the cross. He famously said to his Father, “Is there some other way? Not my will but yours.” Paraphrase: I don’t want to go through this, but I will obey. Obedience is hard. “A long obedience in the same direction” is even harder! Don’t get discouraged. If you have to walk on your journey instead of run, walk. If you have to crawl instead of walk, crawl. Keep going in the same direction. Travel towards Jesus. Travel towards greater levels of obedience.