The following is a recap of a message shared with FBC Starkville on Sunday evening, November 17.
In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves racing against time, trying to keep up with the demands of life. But what if there was a different kind of speed we should be pursuing? A speed that's not measured by our hurried pace, but by our willingness to follow God's lead?
The concept of "moving at the speed of obedience" challenges us to align our hearts and actions with God's will. It's not about how quickly we can accomplish tasks, but how promptly we respond to God's calling. This idea is beautifully illustrated in the book of Acts, chapter 8, where we encounter a powerful story of divine alignment and obedience.
In this passage, we meet Philip, a deacon chosen by the early church. An angel of the Lord instructs Philip to "rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." Without hesitation, Philip obeys. This simple act of obedience sets the stage for a remarkable encounter.
On the road, Philip meets an Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official in charge of the treasury of the Ethiopian queen. This man had just been to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home, reading from the book of Isaiah as he traveled. The Holy Spirit prompts Philip to approach the chariot, and again, Philip responds immediately.
What unfolds next is a beautiful example of how God aligns circumstances when we move at the speed of obedience. The Ethiopian is reading a passage from Isaiah 53, which speaks prophetically about Jesus. Seizing this divine opportunity, Philip explains how this scripture proclaims Jesus and the good news of salvation.
The story culminates in the Ethiopian's baptism, a powerful testament to the transformative power of the gospel when we align ourselves with God's purposes. Remarkably, as soon as the baptism is complete, the Spirit of the Lord carries Philip away to continue his ministry elsewhere.
This account serves as a powerful reminder that God is constantly at work, preparing hearts and orchestrating divine appointments. Our role is to be ready and willing to move when He calls, trusting that He has already gone before us.
But how do we cultivate this readiness to move at the speed of obedience? It starts with aligning our hearts with God's. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture and deepen our prayer life, we become more attuned to His voice and His leading. We develop what Oswald Chambers calls "prompt obedience," which he describes as "the evidence that God's nature is inside of me."
This alignment with God's purposes isn't just for our personal growth; it's about participating in His global mission. In Colossians 1:6, we're reminded that the gospel is "bearing fruit and increasing" all over the world. God invites us to be part of this incredible work, to be caught up in what He's doing across the globe.
As we consider this call to move at the speed of obedience, we might ask ourselves: Where is God sending us? The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch suggests several possibilities:
1. To a waiting harvest: There are people all around us who are ready to hear the good news of Jesus.
2. To a prepared harvest: God is already at work in people's hearts, preparing them to receive the truth.
3. To desperate people: Many are searching for meaning and purpose, desperate for the hope that only Jesus can provide.
4. To those on the edge: Some are so close to embracing faith; they just need someone to help them take that final step.
But it's not just about where God is sending us; it's also about how He's sending us. We're called to:
1. Align our circumstances with His plans.
2. Obey with willing hearts.
3. Arm ourselves with the gospel message.
4. Actually move - take action on what God is calling us to do.
This call to action requires courage. It's easy to become comfortable where we are, to listen and understand without ever stepping out to do. But God is calling us to more. He's inviting us to make room for growth, to reach out intentionally to those around us, and to be part of a movement that multiplies disciples and churches for His glory.
As we contemplate this call to move at the speed of obedience, let's remember the words of G. Campbell Morgan: "We cannot organize revival, but we can set ourselves to catch the wind from heaven when God chooses to blow upon His people once again." Our task is to position ourselves, individually and collectively, to catch that divine wind when it blows.
Moving at the speed of obedience isn't about striving or struggling. It's about surrendering to God's timing and purposes. It's about being so in tune with His heart that when He says "go," we go; when He says "speak," we speak; and when He says "wait," we wait.
As we go forward, let's commit to aligning our hearts more closely with God's. Let's be ready to move when He calls, trusting that He has prepared the way. And let's anticipate with excitement the incredible things God will do as we learn to move at the speed of obedience.
In a world that's constantly rushing, may we find our pace in step with God's. May we be known not for our busyness, but for our readiness to follow wherever He leads. And may we experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from participating in God's grand purpose for the world.
Are you ready to move at the speed of obedience? The adventure awaits!