Obedience

January 10

(Acts 1:12 NIV) "Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city.”

(Acts 1:4 NIV) "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about."

The term “Christian” has taken a beating in recent years. Some new teachers prefer the term “Christ Follower”. But does it really matter what we call those who believe and follow Jesus? The proof of faith is borne out in the content of our living. The early disciples set the tone. They spent enough time with Jesus to receive His teaching, and then, at great risk to their lives, they actually did what Jesus said to do. He told them to “stay in Jerusalem”, and that’s what they did. After His ascension, they returned to Jerusalem. Were they “Christians” or “Christ Followers”? Call them what you will, the hallmark of their faith was obedience to Christ. Will you spend enough time in prayer and in God’s word this year to really hear Him? Will you obey what you hear? As long as God can call us “obedient”, it won’t really matter what the movers and shakers decide to call us. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day