Submitted by: Minister L. Deadwyler
Related scriptures: Leviticus 26:3-27:34, Jeremiah 16:19-17:14 & Psalms 105
Yeshua does not leave us to guess how to stay in his love; it is in keeping his commands that we are found in his love.
- YHVH’s commands sets us up for holiness
Commands are defined as follow: To govern, lead or direct; to have or to exercise supreme authority over. Furthermore, it is through the commands of our Lord Yeshua that we receive direction, protection, liberty and justice. As we follow them they transform us. In John 17:17 Yeshua asked this very thing of the Father on our behalf- “Set them apart for holiness by means of the truth= your word is truth.
2. We cannot consider ourselves friends of the Bridegroom if we are not obeying him
The difference between a slave and friend is: a slave is one who involuntarily subjects himself to the will of another. A slave only does what is ordered him to do; there is no passion, zeal, honor or love in following the instructions. There is no true union between a slave and his master only control; however, a friend is one who voluntarily attaches himself to another; and is one who is reconciled after enmity, but lastly a friend is one who has sufficient interest to serve another. He is not forced to serve. Although Yeshua chose us we still have to willingly say yes to him. The Lord says that those who follow what he instructs are his friends and there is a true union (fellowship) because the instructions are meant to draw us into him and in this consensual relationship. He reveals the things of the Father that are not made known to those who do not belong to him (Daniel 2 esp verse 22; Deuteronomy 29:29 and Matthew 13:10-11.
If we find ourselves grudgingly meeting with YHVH during His appointed times (Shabbats, Feasts and whatever assignment he calls us to) or at home; if we are lazily completing assignments (with the attitude of ‘I can’t wait until this assignment is over’) then we really cannot grab hold to this friendship that Yeshua has offered until we repent.
- Obeying Yeshua’s commands expresses our love for him (John 14:15; 23a)
It is not enough to just say we love the Lord; our love must be seen in our actions. Actions truly speak louder than words. It is in our actions that the fruit, which represents the character of Yeshua can be seen. (Galatians 5:22). 1John 5:2 says that when we love G-d we also do what he commands.
Twice Yeshua instructs us to keep loving each other because when we love one another it is an indication that we love the Father. (1 John 5:1- everyone who loves a father loves his offspring too).
In obeying Yeshua we are established as His people!