Obedience

Grace and peace, friends.

I was so inspired (and challenged) as I read about Philip in the book of Acts in preparing last week’s message. Within his willingness, boldness and obedience to the Holy Spirit, he crossed cultural and racial boundaries that led to the commission of Jesus given in Acts 1:8, becoming Christ’s witness in “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

This morning, I wanted to share a poem that I came across last week as I was preparing for last Sunday’s message. I believe it speaks to the reluctance we may sometimes feel to step outside of our comfort zones; yet, it also speaks to the promise of guidance from the Holy Spirit as well as the promise of light that comes as a result of obedience to His will in our lives.

The poem is called “Obedience” and it was written by George MacDonald (1824-1905), a Scottish author, poet and Christian minister.

I said: “Let me walk in the fields.”
He said: “No, walk in the town.”
I said: “There are no flowers there.”
He said: “No flowers, but a crown.”

I said: “But the skies are black;
There is nothing but noise and din.”
And He wept as He sent me back-
“There is more,” He said; “there is sin.”

I said: “But the air is thick,
And fogs are veiling the sun.”
He answered, “Yet souls are sick,
And souls in the dark undone!”

I said: “I shall miss the light,
And my friends will miss me, they say.”
He answered: “Choose tonight
If I am to miss you or they.”

I pleaded for time to be given.
He said: “Is it hard to decide?
It will not seem so hard in heaven
To have followed the steps of your Guide.”

I cast one look at the fields,
Then set my face to the town;
He said, “My child, do you yield
Will you leave the flowers for the crown?”

Then into His hand went mine;
And into my heart came He;
And I walk in a light divine,
The path I had feared to see.