This might seem like an absurd question to some. “What Does God Need?” Before you answer, pause and meditate on it—mull it over in your mind. God said many are asking Him to meet their needs during this pressing time. But have they thought about the crisis from My perspective and My point of need? I have needs, and if My needs are satisfied, it will open the door for Me to fulfill My people’s needs.

While attempting to digest what I heard, God identified some of His needs. I planned to list them in one blog along with supportive scriptural references. That wasn’t God’s plan; His desire was for me to expound upon each need. Thus, this is part one of a series on God’s needs from His people.

OBEDIENCE was first on His list of needs. God needs His people to obey Him, which shouldn’t be a surprise to believers. I was quickly reminded that the first sin that man committed was disobedience…Adam and Eve disobeyed the command God gave them in the garden, “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:16-17 NKJV). 

The sin of disobedience or rebellion originated with Satan, our adversary. He challenged God’s authority. Since God created all things, all authority rests with Him. He is authority. Because rebellion had been introduced, man had to face the authority test—whether he would align with authority or defy it.

Human life depends on obeying God. As our Creator, Master, Sustainer, and Guide, we cannot live our lives apart from God. It’s in Him that we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). We are His children, and children need directions and guidance. If we defy authority, we are doom for failure. Everything that we hope to gain in life or receive from God depends on our obedience to His commands.

On numerous occasions, Moses and the holy prophets exhorted the children of Israel to hearken to the voice of the Lord. They were reminded that if they obeyed God’s commands, they would receive His favor, grace, peace, prosperity, provision, and victory over their enemies. On the other hand, if they rebelled against Him they would face judgment. Deuteronomy 28 is an affirmation of “blessings and curses.” 

God affirmed in plain terms what would happen if His people obeyed His commands and what would happen to them if they chose not to follow them. Their success or failure was dependent upon their behavior and adherence to God’s words. 

God hates rebellion because it’s in direct opposition to Him and His kingdom. Worst yet, it aligns with Satan. Disobedience opens the door to all kinds of evil works. King Saul learned a hard lesson when he chose the will of the people over the voice of God.

“So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.” (I Samuel 15:23 NKJV).

God is a jealous God, so much so, that His name is Jealous (Exodus 34:14). He will not allow anyone or anything to invent their way of living or rob Him of His glory. 

What does God need? Our obedience before He can open His hands and release His promises. Just like the children of Israel, when we stand against God and live according to human reasoning, judgment is inevitable. The remedy to rebellion is simple, return to God.

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land…” Isaiah 1:17-19

My beloved, if Jesus had to learn obedience through the things He suffered (See Hebrews 5:8.), what about us? Let’s not allow our suffering to be in vain.

Scriptures for meditation: 

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8

“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God…” Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. Exodus 19:5

For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Romans 5:19

Posted by on Wednesday, April 15th, 2020 @ 9:54AM
Categories: Empowering, Encouragement, Inspirational