Obedience to God’s Word

Born on this day in 1824, George MacDonald became one of the most important writers of his time, having published 31 novels plus fairy tales and poetry. He also was a committed Christian, having written many sermons and essays as a pastor in his native Scotland.

After his death in 1905, there was a decline in interest in his writing, partly because his works so strongly focused on his Christian faith and Biblical principles. But he was rediscovered by a new generation who realized the depths of his insights. One of those men was C.S. Lewis who wrote, “I know nothing that gives me such a feeling of spiritual healing, of being washed as to read G. MacDonald.”

One of MacDonald’s recurring themes was the importance of obedience to God. He once said, “Whosoever…will do the will of God—not understand it, not care about it, not theorize it, but do it—is a son of God.” He wrote, “Oh the folly of any mind that would explain God before obeying Him! That would map out the character of God, instead of crying, ‘Lord what wouldst Thou have me do?’”

Today, we can imagine how MacDonald would want us to think about what Jesus said in Matthew 7, asking us to make sure that He is our Lord.

In your life, make sure that Jesus is your Lord. Put His Word into practice, always seeking to do the will of the Father.