Mishma`at (obedience) is an act or instance of submitting to an authority. It is compliance with the demands or requests of someone over us. The general words for obedience in both Hebrew and Greek refer to hearing a superior authority. One Greek word that is translated “obedience” includes the idea of submission to authority in the sense of arranging or ordering oneself under someone in a place of command. Another Greek word suggests obedience that is a result more of persuasion than of submission. Obedience to YAHVEH and human authorities is an obligation stressed in both the Old Testament and New Testament. Abraham was additionally blessed on one occasion because he obeyed YAHVEH in offering Isaac on the altar (Genesis 22:18; Genesis 26:5). YAHVEH’s continued blessing upon Israel by virtue of the Sinai covenant was contingent upon their obeying His voice and keeping His covenant (Exodus 19:5). On the verge of entering Canaan, Moses placed before Israel a blessing and a curse; the former if they listened to and obeyed the commandments of Adonai and the latter if they did not (Deuteronomy 11:22-28). Deuteronomy warns that the penalty for stubborn and rebellious children is, first of all, chastisement and then death by stoning if they persistently refuse to listen (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). One evidence that a person is a child of YAHVEH is continued obedience to the commandments of YAHVEH (1 John 2:3-5). Yeshua said that those who love Him would keep His commandments (John 14:15). And Peter, speaking of Christians, calls them “obedient children” (1 Peter 1:14). Christians are to render obedience to a variety of people: believers to Adonai (John 14:21-24), wives to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22-24), children to their parents (Ephesians 6:1), citizens to their governmental officials (Romans 13:1-7) and servants to their masters (Ephesians 6:5). However, in spite of the strong stress on obedience in the Bible, such obedience is never made the grounds for justification before YAHVEH. Paul declares that salvation is a gift of YAHVEH that will produce good works (Ephesians 2:8-10). So too, James speaks of works of obedience as flowing from faith (James 2:14-26). Yeshua Himself, on the night of His betrayal, emphasized by repetition that love for Him is measured by obedience to His commandments (John 14:15). He underscored this by asserting that His own love for the Father was evidenced by His obeying the Father’s commands (John 14:31). The Bible mentions many people whose obedience to YAHVEH comes from their faith and love for Him (Hebrews 11). For example, Abel believed YAHVEH and offered a more excellent sacrifice (Hebrews 11:4); Noah put his faith in YAHVEH’s Word and prepared an ark (Hebrews 11:7); by faith Abraham left Ur at YAHVEH’s direction, not knowing his destination (Hebrews 11:8); Moses put his faith in YAHVEH and refused the privileges of being called Pharaoh’s son, choosing rather to identify with Israel, YAHVEH’s people (Hebrews 11:24-25). The greatest example of obedience based on trust in YAHVEH is Yeshua HaMashiach Himself. He emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond servant; He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:7-8)

THE FREEDOM OF OBEDIENCE

IN WHAT WAYS IS OBEDIENCE TO YAHVEH TRUE FREEDOM?

OBEDIENCE KEEPS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YAHVEH OPEN AND FREE.
“He replied, ‘I heard you, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.’ ‘Who told you that you were naked?’ the LORD God asked. ‘Have you eaten the fruit I commanded you not to eat?’” (Genesis 3:10-11) Adam and Eve got what they wanted: an intimate knowledge of both good and evil. But they got it by doing evil and the results were disastrous. Sometimes we have the illusion that freedom is doing anything we want. But YAHVEH says that true freedom comes from obedience and knowing what not to do. The restrictions He gives us are for our good, helping us avoid evil. We have the freedom to walk in front of a speeding car, but we don’t need to be hit to realize it would be foolish to do so. Don’t listen to Satan’s temptations. You don’t have to do evil to gain more experience and learn more about life.

OBEYING YAHVEH IS IN OUR BEST INTEREST.
“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between prosperity and disaster, between life and death. I have commanded you today to love the LORD your God and to keep his commands, laws and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and become a great nation, and the LORD your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.” (Deuteronomy 30:15-16) YAHVEH has called us to keep His Commands, while reminding us that His Laws are not hidden from us or beyond our reach. Have you ever said you would obey YAHVEH if you knew what He wanted? Have you ever complained that obedience is too difficult for a mere human? These are unacceptable excuses. YAHVEH’s Laws are written in the Bible and are clearly evident in the world around us. Obeying them is reasonable, sensible and beneficial. The most difficult part of obeying YAHVEH’s Laws is simply deciding to start now.

OBEYING YAHVEH, EVEN WHEN WE DON’T UNDERSTAND, IS TRUE FREEDOM.
“Because you Levites did not carry the Ark the first time, the anger of the LORD our God burst out against us. We failed to ask God how to move it in the proper way.” (1 Chronicles 15:13) When David’s first attempt to move the Ark failed (13:8-14), he learned an important lesson: when YAHVEH gives specific instructions, it is wise to follow them precisely. This time David saw to it that the Levites carried the Ark (Numbers 4:5-15). We may not fully understand the reasons behind YAHVEH’s instructions, but we do know that His wisdom is complete and His judgment infallible. The way to know YAHVEH’s instructions is to know His Word. But just as children do not understand the reasons for all their parents’ instructions until they are older, we may not understand all of YAHVEH’s reasons in this life. It is far better to obey YAHVEH first and then discover the reasons. We are never free to disobey YAHVEH just because we don’t understand.

FREEDOM TO OBEY COMES THROUGH YAHVEH’S GRACE.
“God’s Law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful kindness became more abundant.” (Romans 5:20) As a sinner, separated from YAHVEH, you see His Law from below, as a ladder to be climbed to get to YAHVEH. Perhaps you have repeatedly tried to climb it, only to fall to the ground every time you have advanced one or two rungs. Or perhaps the sheer height of the ladder seems so overwhelming that you have never even started up. In either case, what relief you should feel to see Yeshua offering with open arms to lift you above the ladder of the Law, to take you directly to YAHVEH! Once Yeshua lifts you into YAHVEH’s presence, you are free to obey; out of love, not necessity and through YAHVEH’s power, not your own. You know that if you stumble, you will not fall back to the ground. Instead, you will be caught and held in HaMashiach’s loving arms.

THE BENEFITS OF OBEDIENCE

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YAHVEH WHEN WE OBEY HIM?

OBEDIENCE TO YAHVEH IS PLEASING TO HIM.
“Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.” (Joshua 1:8) Many people think that prosperity and success come from having power, influential personal contacts and a relentless desire to get ahead. But the strategy for gaining prosperity that YAHVEH taught Joshua goes against such criteria. He said that to succeed Joshua must (1) be strong and courageous, because the task ahead would not be easy, (2) obey YAHVEH’s Law and (3) constantly read and study the Book of the Law; YAHVEH’s Word. To be successful, follow YAHVEH’s words to Joshua. You may not succeed by the world’s standards, but you will be a success in YAHVEH’s eyes; and His opinion lasts forever.

OBEDIENCE TO YAHVEH OFTEN LEADS TO PEACE.
“When Abijah died, he was buried in the City of David. Then his son Asa became the next king. There was peace in the land for ten years, for Asa did what was pleasing and good in the sight of the LORD his God.” (2 Chronicles 14:1-2) Asa’s reign was marked by peace because he “did what was pleasing and good in the sight of the LORD his God.” This refrain is often repeated in Chronicles; obedience to YAHVEH leads to peace with YAHVEH and others. In the case of Judah’s kings, obedience to YAHVEH led to national peace, just as YAHVEH had promised centuries earlier. In our case, obedience may not always bring peace with our enemies, but it will bring peace with YAHVEH and complete peace in His future Kingdom. Obeying YAHVEH is the first step on the path to peace.

THE CHALLENGE OF OBEDIENCE

HOW IS OBEDIENCE CHALLENGED?

OBEDIENCE IS OFTEN CHALLENGED BY DIFFICULTIES.
“Load them down with more work. Make them sweat! That will teach them to listen to these liars!” (Exodus 5:9) Moses and Aaron took their message to Pharaoh just as YAHVEH directed. The unhappy result was harder work and more oppression for the Hebrews. Sometimes hardship comes as a result of obeying YAHVEH. Are you following YAHVEH, but still suffering; or suffering even worse than before? If your life is miserable, don’t assume you have fallen out of YAHVEH’s favour. You may be suffering for doing good in an evil world.

OBEDIENCE IS OFTEN CHALLENGED BY DECEPTION.
“When they arrived at the camp of Israel at Gilgal, they told Joshua and the men of Israel, ‘We have come from a distant land to ask you to make a peace treaty with us.’” (Joshua 9:6) As the news about their victory became widespread, the Israelites experienced opposition in two forms: direct (kings in the area began to unite against them) and indirect (the Gibeonites resorted to deception). We can expect similar opposition as we obey YAHVEH’s commands. To guard against these pressures, we must rely on YAHVEH and communicate daily with Him. He will give us strength to endure the direct pressures and wisdom to see through the trickery.

HOW DOES OBEDIENCE CHALLENGE US?

OBEDIENCE CHALLENGES US TO GO BEYOND MERE UNDERSTANDING.
“If you break the smallest commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s Laws and teaches them will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5:19) Some of those in the crowd were experts at telling others what to do, but they missed the central point of YAHVEH’s Laws themselves. Yeshua made it clear however, that obeying YAHVEH’s Law is more important than explaining it. It’s much easier to study YAHVEH’s Laws and tell others to obey them than to put them into practice. How are you doing at obeying YAHVEH yourself?

OBEDIENCE CHALLENGES US TO GO BEYOND MERE OUTWARD CONFORMITY.
The Pharisees were exacting and scrupulous in their attempts to follow their laws. So how could Yeshua reasonably call us to a greater righteousness than theirs? The Pharisees’ weakness was that they were content to obey the laws outwardly without allowing YAHVEH to change their hearts (or attitudes). Yeshua was saying therefore, that the quality of our goodness should be greater than that of the Pharisees. They looked pious, but they were far from the Kingdom of YAHVEH. YAHVEH judges our hearts as well as our deeds, for it is in the heart that our real allegiance lies. Be just as concerned about your attitudes that people don’t see as about your actions that are seen by all.

OBEDIENCE CHALLENGES US TO ACT OUT OF LOVE FOR YAHVEH.
Yeshua was saying that His listeners needed a different kind of righteousness altogether (love and obedience), not just a more intense version of the Pharisees’ righteousness (legal compliance). Our righteousness must (1) come from what YAHVEH does in us, not what we can do by ourselves, (2) be YAHVEH-centred, not self-centred, (3) be based on reverence for YAHVEH, not approval from people and (4) go beyond keeping the Law to living by the principles behind the law.

IS OBEDIENCE TO YAHVEH REALLY NECESSARY, SINCE WE ARE SAVED BY FAITH?
Deuteronomy 10:12-13: “what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.”
Philippians 2:12: “Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.” Obedience is putting into action YAHVEH’s saving work in our lives. Jeremiah 7:23: “Obey Me and I will be your God and you will be my people. Only do as I say and all will be well!” Obedience to YAHVEH is an intrinsic element of a covenant relationship with Him. Hebrews 11:8: “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed. Obedience is an act of faith. Romans 1:5: “Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey Him, bringing glory to His Name.” Romans 6:17: “Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you have obeyed with all your heart the new teaching God has given you.” Putting our trust in YAHVEH for salvation through HaMashiach is equivalent to obeying His message of good news. Titus 1:16: “Such people claim they know God, but they deny Him by the way they live. They are despicable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.” If we are disobedient to YAHVEH, our claim to know Him is meaningless. Leviticus 9:5-6: “Then Moses told them, ‘when you have followed these instructions from the Lord, the glorious presence of the Lord will appear to you.’” Acts 5:32: “We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey Him.” YAHVEH’s presence in our lives comes when we obey Him.

OBEDIENCE SEEMS LIKE SUCH AN AUTHORITARIAN CONCEPT. DOES YAHVEH REALLY REQUIRE ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE?
Deuteronomy 6:1-25; 11:26-28; 28:1-68: “Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so all will go well with you.” These passages demonstrate clearly that YAHVEH’s demand for obedience is based on His commitment to our well-being. Numbers 20:1-13: “[God said to Moses,] ‘Because you did not trust me enough . . . you will not lead them into the land.’” Disobedience always brings negative consequences, even for a spiritual leader. Ephesians 5:6: “The terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey Him.” Disobedience is sin and leads to separation from YAHVEH. Philippians 2:5-13: “Though He was God, He did not demand and cling to His rights as God . . . He obediently humbled Himself.” Hebrews 5:7-9: “God heard his prayers because of his reverence for God.”  Yeshua is our model for obedience, even when obedience means suffering.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YAHVEH WANT US TO OBEY HIM?
Genesis 6:22: “Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.” Deuteronomy 5:32: “You must obey all the commands of the Lord your God, following his instructions in every detail.” YAHVEH wants us to do everything He commands us to do. 1 Samuel 15:22: “Samuel replied, ‘What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to Him is much better than offering the fat of rams.” Obedience to YAHVEH involves listening to what He says. Exodus 12:28: “The people of Israel did just as the Lord had commanded through Moses and Aaron.” Romans 13:1: “Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God.” Hebrews 13:17: “Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say.” YAHVEH shows us what He wants us to do through human authorities. Exodus 1:17: “Because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king and allowed the boys to live, too.” Acts 4:19-20: “Peter and John replied, ‘Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard.’” Acts 5:29: “Peter and the apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than human authority.’” We must obey YAHVEH over human authorities.

DOES OBEDIENCE TO YAHVEH GET ME INTO HEAVEN?
Galatians 2:16-21: “No one will ever be saved by obeying the Law.” Obedience to religious laws can never save us. But when we accept HaMashiach, we are increasingly motivated to obey YAHVEH out of love for Him. John 14:15-16, 21-24: “If you love Me, obey My Commandments.” Our obedience to HaMashiach is to be an expression of love. Hebrews 11:7-10: “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed.” Obedience is anchored in faith.

WHAT IF I HAVE LIVED A LIFE OF DISOBEDIENCE?
Matthew 21:28-31: “The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway.” It’s never too late to repent and obey YAHVEH!

PROMISES FROM YAHVEH:
Exodus 19:5: “Now if you will obey Me and keep My covenant, you will be My own special treasure from among all the nations of the earth; for all the earth belongs to Me.” Deuteronomy 7:9: “He is the faithful God who keeps His covenant for a thousand generations and constantly loves those who love Him and obey his commands.” YAHVEH is faithful to those who obey Him. Psalm 1:1: “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked.” Obeying YAHVEH and ignoring evil advice bring lasting joy. Psalm 84:11: “No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right.” Obeying YAHVEH and ignoring evil advice bring lasting joy. Psalm 119:2: “Happy are those who obey His decrees and search for Him with all their hearts.” Jeremiah 7:23: “Obey Me and I will be your God. . . . Only do as I say and all will be well.” Obedience brings great rewards. Hebrews 8:10: “On that day . . . I will put My Laws in their minds so they will understand them and I will write them on their hearts so they will obey them.” YAHVEH will give you the desire to obey His Word. James 1:25: “If you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect Law; the Law that sets you free; and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”