October 22, 2026

Welcome to the Weekly Devotional for the
Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church

with Conference Superintendent Rev. Steven Taylor

Obedience:

Living What We Believe

Have you ever read a passage of Scripture and wondered why God included it in the Bible? Jeremiah 35 might be one of those passages. It's the story of a family called the Rechabites, who lived differently from everyone around them. They followed some unusual family rules, and God decided to use their obedience as a sermon illustration! And the lesson wasn't really about the rules. It was about obedience.

Focus Scripture:


“But they have not inclined their ears or obeyed me.”
Jeremiah 35:15

From Pastor Steve

Throughout the history of Israel, God was searching for truth among His people. He wanted people who would love Him, worship Him, and live according to His Word.

In Jeremiah 35, God found an unusual example of obedience. See, the Rechabites had been instructed by their ancestor, Jonadab, not to drink wine, build houses, or plant vineyards. These weren't commands for everyone in Israel, but this family had faithfully honored them for generations.

So God instructed Jeremiah to bring the family into the Temple, set pitchers of wine before them, and invite them to drink. But…they refused. In the end, God used their obedience to confront the people of Judah, who had repeatedly ignored His commands. The point wasn't about wine, houses, or vineyards. It was about obedience!

See, obedience to God aligns our lives with God's truth.

That's important because knowing God's truth and obeying God's truth aren't necessarily the same thing. We can know what Scripture teaches about forgiveness and still hold a grudge. We can know Jesus commands us to love our neighbors and still ignore someone in need. We can know God calls us to generosity, honesty, and holiness, yet continue living our own way.

"Obedience requires change.

And change can be uncomfortable."

So, why is obedience so difficult? Sometimes we don't know what God commands. Sometimes we've become complacent about our disobedience. And sometimes, if we're willing to admit it, we simply don't want to obey.

Obedience requires change. And change can be uncomfortable. But God doesn't leave us to figure it out alone. He gives us His Word, the example of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He also places faithful people in our lives who help us learn what it means to follow Him.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) Our obedience isn't an attempt to earn God's love. It's a response to the love and grace we've already received through Jesus Christ.

And here's something else that remains true today and every day: Obedience to God is a choice we make in THIS moment, for the future. Your obedience today puts you on a path of God’s will for the days that follow. 

Maybe you've been resisting something God has been asking you to do. Maybe the Holy Spirit has been nudging you toward forgiveness, repentance, generosity, or a change in your priorities. You don't have to wait until tomorrow to begin obeying.



The Rechabites demonstrated that obedience was possible, even when circumstances were difficult. And through Jesus Christ, God gives us the grace and strength to follow Him faithfully.

So here's the question: Is there something God has been persistently asking you to change? Listen to His Word. Pay attention to the Holy Spirit. And then take the next faithful step. Because when we obey God, His truth becomes visible in our lives and through us to the world.

Reflection Questions

1. Is there an area of your life where you know God's truth but have been reluctant to obey it?
2. What specific act of obedience is the Holy Spirit inviting you to take this week?

Prayer

Gracious God, Thank You for revealing Your truth through Your Word and through Jesus Christ. Forgive me when I know what You desire but choose my own way. Help me listen to Your Spirit, trust Your promises, and obey Your commands. Align my life with Your truth so that others might see Jesus through me. Amen.

Final Thought

Knowing God's truth is where discipleship begins. Living God's truth is how the world sees Jesus in us.

Blessings,

Steve