"Unreflecting Obedience"

by WXAN & KMHM General Manager, Doug Apple

“And as He passed by, Jesus saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the place of toll, and He saith unto him, ‘Follow me.’  And he arose and followed him.”  (Mark 2:14 )

Just that quickly a new chapter began in Levi’s life.  Jesus said, “Follow me,” and he did.

In one of my all-time favorite books, “The Cost of Discipleship,” Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, “The call goes forth, and is at once followed by the response of obedience.”  He adds, “It is Jesus who calls, and because it is Jesus, Levi follows at once.  This encounter is a testimony to the absolute, direct, and unaccountable authority of Jesus. There is no need of any preliminaries, and no other consequence but obedience to the call.”

Our human inclination is to examine what God says, and thoroughly weigh it out.  We make our list of pros and cons.  Then we obey Christ…as long as it makes sense to do so.  But look at what Bonhoeffer says of Levi:  “At the call, Levi leaves all that he has, but not because he thinks that he might be doing something worthwhile, but simply for the sake of the call.”

Why do we do the things we do?  Because we feel like it?  Because we want to?  Because it’s a good cause?  Because we feel obligated?  Because it’s logical and makes good sense?  Because it is expected of us?  As disciples of Jesus, there is only one point of significance in our lives…Jesus.  Bonhoeffer writes, “It is nothing else than bondage to Jesus Christ alone…no other significance is possible, since Jesus is the only significance.  Besides Jesus, nothing has any significance.  He alone matters.”

I believe most people know what their next step of obedience should be.  They have clearly heard Jesus speak to them, and they know what to do – but they have reservations.  They are afraid.  Bonhoeffer challenges us with these words, “If you believe, take the first step, it leads to Jesus Christ.  If you don’t believe, take the first step all the same, for you are bidden to take it.  No one wants to know about your faith or unbelief, your orders are to perform the act of obedience on the spot.”

Stop and think.  What pops into your head right now?  What is it that you know Jesus is calling you to do, but that you have been putting off?  Why wait any longer?  This little note from me to you is your exhortation to “just do it.”  Bonhoeffer uses a phrase I have fallen in love with, “unreflecting obedience.”  That’s the kind of obedience Jesus desires from us.  You know the next thing.  Today is the day.  Don’t wait any longer.