Luke 11:27-28

Luke 11:27-28 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Exodus 31:1-5 Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts — to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.

Acts 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it. We Christians might be filled with the Spirit, but unless we obey the Spirit, we are nothing. If we have the wisdom of Solomon, yet never open our mouths, we are nothing. If we have a contrite heart as David, but never shed tears for humanity, we are nothing. If we have Paul's energy and zeal, but stay in our houses, we are nothing. If we have Martha's heart to serve, but never minister to others, we are nothing. If we have the gifts and talents of angels, but never use them, we are nothing.

At certain times in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit fell upon people for special purposes, mostly to prophesy, to tell the people a special message from God. For some people, such as Moses and the prophets, the Spirit of God was upon them at all times. They were given the right, the privilege, to minister to people continuously as God's representatives. However, others had the Spirit fall on them only once for a special purpose. But the New Testament says men and women were FILLED with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God came to abide with them permanently, and out of their innermost beings would flow living water. When Peter described Spirit-filled believers, he said, Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. (1 Peter 2:9 KJV) We are aliens, those who are just passing through, yet we are equipped to hear and to obey God's voice.

In the Luke passage, Jesus says God's people must obey to receive blessing. They must do what God has planned for their lives. They cannot stay back in the shadows of life and toss their gifts away. They must not say to themselves, "I can't." They should hear the voice of the Lord, and then do his will on Earth, not their own. How many of us are standing back, afraid to do what God has told us to do? How many of us lack faith to take the next step? God gives each of us an eternal assignment, one that fulfills the body of Christ here on Earth, and one He expects us to perform by faith.

When I was a young man of 15, God called me to be a teacher in the public schools. I knew it was God, but I felt I didn't have the talent, the speaking ability, to answer the call. But God called me so I went to college. I hesitantly and fearfully jumped over every hurdle necessary to become a teacher. I answered the call and taught successfully for 30 years. Did I know initially how being a teacher would fit into God's eternal plan for this world? Not at all, but I knew I needed to answer his call. Later on, I understood better how God was using my life to help others. Jesus says, blessed are those who HEAR AND OBEY.

Some of you wonder about your call, your purpose. Rest assured, God has a call on your life. Your call might be giving wholesome parties for people, sharing fellowship and peace in Christ's name. Your gift might be excellence at work or the art of endurance, a second-mile love for people who are hurting. Perhaps you are called to repair cars for people, as a competent and trustworthy mechanic. The list is endless, but whether it is the creative arts or the gift of encouragement, YOU DO HAVE A CALL, AND IT IS FOR THE GLORY OF THE LORD. I have a friend who was sexually abused as a young girl. She has endured the sting and guilt of that horrible experience. She has answered God's call in her life by starting a blog to help other people who have experienced similar pain and sorrow. Just as she has obeyed this call, my Christian friend, the Spirit of God abides in you and desires to advance the work of Christ through you. Will you answer the call? Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.