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Day 163 Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. (NKJV) People like to test their boundaries. Most know the rules they need to follow and can quote them, if necessary, yet they don’t follow them. Obedience is for someone else to follow. The author reminded his fellow Jews that they needed to obey those in authority. He reminded them that obedience was key to obeying God. Their submission to those in authority showed they would also obey God. He also told them they were to obey with joy, not grief. They gained nothing when they obeyed with force instead of with a willing heart. If you have been a Christian for a short time or long, you know obedience is key to obeying God. God told Adam and Eve what they could and could not do in the Garden of Eden. Their simple disobedience condemned everyone born into the world. God gave the Law to Moses, thereby telling His chosen people they needed to obey Him to receive His blessings. Prophets also told the people they needed to obey God with a willing heart and joy to receive God’s blessings. Every page of God’s Word tells the reader they need to obey God with a willing heart, with joy, not with reluctance as though forced to obey. Only when Christians obey those in authority over them, pray for them, and submit to them with joy will they know the blessings God has for them. 1 Timothy 2:1 Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. When you obey those in authority over you with a willing heart, with joy, people will notice. They will see God’s blessings on your life, and will want what you have, salvation. God wants everyone to know Jesus, His Son, and what He did for them on Calvary. Salvation is God’s plan for everyone. It starts with obedience to those in authority over you with joy. Let’s pray: Father, let Your love and blessings flow through me as I obey those in authority over me with joy, submitting to them with the same reverence I give You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 26 December 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.