“Give your servant an obedient heart” (1 Kings 3:9).
1. Why do some people tend to obey?
People may obey for different reasons. Some do it because someone is watching them, others to avoid punishment, and still others because they want to make a good impression.
Jesus pointed out precisely that attitude of the religious leaders, who performed their works to be seen by others, as Matthew 23:5 explains. We, of course, know that obeying Jehovah benefits us, because his counsel always seeks our welfare, as Isaiah 48:17, 18 shows.
But this leads us to consider something deeper: Would we still obey if no one could see us or if we didn't perceive an immediate benefit? Our obedience should not depend on circumstances. Jehovah deserves that we do what is right, even when no one is watching.
2. What is the main reason why we obey Jehovah?
The main reason is that we deeply love Jehovah. Jesus explained at Matthew 22:37, 38 that the most important commandment is to love God with our whole heart, soul, and mind.
When that love is genuine, obedience comes naturally to us, just as Romans 6:17 says, which speaks of being obedient from the heart. This means that we obey not only when we are in meetings, when we participate in preaching, or when someone might see us, but also in our private lives.
Of course, we must recognize that our hearts can deceive us and that, at times, our own inclinations can make it difficult for us to do what is right. That is why we must continually strengthen our love for Jehovah. The more we know him, the more we will want to please him.
FIRST THEY OBEYED, BUT LATER THEY REBELLED
3. Why might the command to sprinkle blood on the frames have tested the Israelites' obedience? (See also the picture.)
Because that instruction could expose them to reprisals from the Egyptians. The lamb was considered a sacred animal in Egypt, so sacrificing it and using its blood publicly could be seen as a provocation.
Exodus 8:25-27 helps us understand that the Egyptians had already shown their disapproval of certain Israelite practices. However, the Israelites understood that the protection of their families depended on obeying Jehovah. Therefore, as Exodus 12:28 states, they did exactly what he had commanded them.
This makes us think about times when obedience might be uncomfortable or provoke criticism. We may have to defend our convictions at work or before our family members. But, like those Israelites, we must trust that Jehovah never asks us to do anything without a good reason.
ILLUSTRATION
An Israelite splatters blood on his doorframe while his son holds a lamp. In neighboring houses, several Israelites do the same.
The Israelites obeyed Jehovah despite possible retaliation from the Egyptians (see paragraph 3).
4. What surprising instruction did Jehovah give the Israelites?
Jehovah instructed them to change direction and camp by the Red Sea, between the sea and the mountains. Humanly speaking, this seemed like a bad decision, because they could be trapped when Pharaoh's army arrived.
However, the Israelites followed the instructions given by Moses, as explained in Exodus 14:1-4. The problem arose when they saw the Egyptians approaching. Fear led them to question their decision, and they even accused Moses of leading them to their deaths, according to Exodus 14:5-11.
This makes us reflect on how easy it can be to trust Jehovah when everything seems to be going well, but then begin to doubt when an unexpected problem arises. Sometimes, an instruction may seem illogical from our perspective, but we must remember that Jehovah sees far beyond what we can see.
5. What did the Israelites not do at the Red Sea? (Psalm 106:7 and the footnote).
The Israelites did not appreciate the wonderful works that Jehovah had performed, nor did they remember his loyal love. Psalm 106:7 shows that they did not grasp the true meaning of all they had experienced in Egypt.
They had seen how Jehovah protected them during the plagues, but when a new threat appeared, they quickly forgot those demonstrations of power and love. That is why Jehovah said they rebelled by the Red Sea.
Although they eventually crossed the sea, their inner attitude had not changed. Psalm 106:21, 24-26 explains the consequences of that lack of faith. That generation lost the privilege of entering the Promised Land.
This makes us reflect on the importance of remembering how Jehovah has personally helped us. We don't want a present difficulty to make us forget all the evidence of his love we have received.
LESSONS FROM THE BAD EXAMPLE OF THE ISRAELITES
6. What will we do if we have an obedient heart? (Jeremiah 23:4).
If we have an obedient heart, we will trust in Jehovah and in those he has appointed to lead his people, even if we do not always understand all the reasons for an instruction. Jeremiah 23:4 shows that Jehovah cares for his sheep and uses shepherds to care for them.
The example of the Israelites teaches us that we should not obey only when circumstances favor us or when others agree with us. Nor should we allow opposition to cause us to lose faith.
This leads us to reflect on our attitude when we receive guidance that involves some change or personal sacrifice: Do we accept it with confidence, or do we begin to look for reasons to question it? In the congregation, our obedience should reflect that we trust in Jehovah and appreciate the way he cares for his people.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
If we have an obedient heart, we will trust in Jehovah and in those he uses to lead his people, even if we do not fully understand the reasons for an instruction. We will not obey only when it is convenient or when everyone agrees.
As Jeremiah 23:4 teaches, Jehovah uses shepherds to care for his sheep. Therefore, our trust in him will help us to remain obedient, even when we face difficulties or opposition.
7. Why will it be easier for us to obey Jehovah if we strengthen our love for him?
Because love helps us look beyond immediate inconveniences. Sometimes, an instruction may require us to modify our habits, change an assignment, or adapt to circumstances we hadn't foreseen.
But 1 John 5:3 reminds us that loving God means obeying his commandments, and that these are not a burden. We must also cultivate patience, because we don't always see the immediate results of our obedience.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 highlights the value of patience, and Micah 7:7 encourages us to wait on Jehovah. This makes us think about situations in the congregation where we may not immediately understand a decision.
If our love for Jehovah is strong, we will avoid being quick to criticize and will be willing to wait with confidence. In this way we show that our obedience comes from the heart.
8. How did two Witnesses show that they were determined to be obedient?
The two brothers showed that they were willing to obey, even when they did not clearly see the advantages of the changes.
During the pandemic, an elder in Peru admitted that at first he doubted that videoconference meetings would work in his area. However, he decided to trust in Jehovah and follow the instructions. In time, he found that the congregation was more united and strengthened.
On the other hand, a sister from Japan accepted the dissolution of the language group she served in with a positive attitude, without criticizing the change and hoping to see its benefits.
Proverbs 3:5, 6 encourages us to trust in Jehovah. This makes us think about how we react to adjustments. A positive attitude can help us and also encourage our brothers and sisters.
9. How can we prepare ourselves to be obedient when we face opposition in the future? (See also the image.)
We can prepare ourselves by obeying the command to preach now, even if some people react badly to our message. Matthew 24:14 explains that the good news of the Kingdom will be preached throughout the inhabited earth before the end comes.
The article also reminds us that, during the great tribulation, the message could take on a more direct character and provoke very intense reactions. Revelation 16:21 shows that those who oppose Jehovah can become extremely angry.
This makes us think about our current experiences in the ministry. Perhaps someone will slam the door in our face or speak to us with contempt. If we learn to remain calm and continue obeying now, we will be better prepared to face much more difficult circumstances. Spiritual courage is cultivated through small, daily choices of faithfulness.
ILLUSTRATION
A married couple who are preaching from house to house calmly walk away from a house where two people are furious with them.
Being obedient now prepares us to face opposition in the future (see paragraph 9).
LET US BE OBEDIENT LIKE KING JEHOSAPATH
10. How did King Jehoshaphat feel when three nations threatened him?
Jehoshaphat was very afraid because he faced a truly serious military threat. Three nations had joined forces to fight against Judah, and the situation seemed humanly impossible to resolve.
However, importantly, he did not allow fear to paralyze him or cause him to lose faith in Jehovah. As 2 Chronicles 20:1-3 explains, when he received news of the threat, he reacted by seeking divine help.
This makes us think about how we react when we receive worrying news or go through problems that seem beyond our strength. Feeling fear or worry doesn't mean we lack faith.
The important question is, what do we do next? Jehoshaphat teaches us that instead of letting anxiety overwhelm us, we should draw closer to Jehovah and seek his guidance.
11. What did Jehoshaphat do when he felt afraid? (2 Chronicles 20:5, 6, 10-12).
The first thing he did was resolve to seek Jehovah. He didn't just remember that God had helped him in the past, but he intensified his search when that threat appeared.
Then he gathered the people and led a prayer in which he acknowledged Jehovah’s power and asked for his help. At 2 Chronicles 20:12, we find some particularly moving words: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Jehoshaphat humbly acknowledged his limitations, but he knew exactly where to turn for help.
This makes us think about our own problems. We may not know how to resolve a family, financial, or personal situation, but we can always turn to Jehovah through prayer and study. We don't need to have all the answers to demonstrate trust. We need to be determined to follow his guidance.
12. How will we strengthen our determination to obey Jehovah?
We will strengthen it by increasing our knowledge of the Bible and reflecting on what we learn. Jehoshaphat’s prayer shows that he was well acquainted with his people’s history and the promises Jehovah had made. He recalled, for example, Jehovah’s promise to Abraham concerning the land his descendants would receive, recorded in Genesis 12:7.
He also drew on ideas from Solomon’s prayer during the dedication of the temple, as we see when we compare 2 Chronicles 6:28-30 with 2 Chronicles 20:5-9. This knowledge was not merely accumulated information, but it gave him reasons to trust in Jehovah.
This makes us think about our personal study. It's not enough to just skim the Bible; we need to meditate on and connect its teachings. That way, when we face a trial, we'll have a spiritual treasure that will strengthen our obedience.
13. How does humility help us?
Humility helps us because it allows us to recognize that we need Jehovah's guidance and that our judgment is not always the best. Jehoshaphat was king and had an army, but he did not allow his position or resources to lead him to rely solely on himself.
In 2 Chronicles 20:12, he publicly acknowledged that Judah did not know what to do and needed Jehovah’s help. His humility prepared him to accept divine instructions. Philippians 2:5, 8 encourages us to imitate Christ’s humble attitude, who was obedient even in very difficult circumstances.
This makes us think about how we react when someone advises or corrects us. A humble person doesn't feel threatened when they acknowledge they need to improve. On the contrary, they are willing to listen, learn, and obey.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Humility helps us recognize that we need Jehovah’s guidance and that we don’t always know the best course of action. Jehoshaphat, even though he was king, admitted that he didn’t know what to do and sought Jehovah’s support, as we read at 2 Chronicles 20:12. Likewise, if we are humble, we will accept counsel and instructions without letting pride control us.
14. What did Jehoshaphat do when Jehovah gave him instructions?
Jehoshaphat immediately accepted the instructions that Jehovah conveyed through the prophet Jahaziel. The people would not have to fight, but rather take their places, remain still, and watch as Jehovah saved them.
The king’s reaction was very significant. He bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people did the same to worship Jehovah. The next day, he also encouraged the people of Judah to have faith in both Jehovah and his prophets, according to 2 Chronicles 20:14-20.
This makes us reflect on the importance of our reaction when we receive spiritual guidance. It is not enough to simply listen to an instruction; we must demonstrate through our actions that we trust it.
And there is something else: our attitude can greatly influence others. When we respond with faith and humility, we help those around us to also trust in Jehovah.
15. How did Jehoshaphat demonstrate that he was a man of great faith?
Jehoshaphat demonstrated his faith because he acted with the conviction that Jehovah would fulfill his promise, even though he had not yet seen salvation. After consulting with the people, he organized the men to go before the army singing praises to Jehovah.
From a human perspective, it might have seemed a strange strategy to send the singers first, instead of putting the best-trained soldiers in the front lines. But that decision demonstrated their complete trust in Jehovah. As 2 Chronicles 20:21-24 explains, Jehovah intervened and caused the enemies to destroy one another.
This leads us to believe that true faith is not just about saying we trust in God, but also about acting in accordance with that trust. In our daily lives, we can demonstrate it by obeying even when we don't yet see how our problems will be resolved.
16. What can those in authority learn from Jehoshaphat? (1 Kings 3:9; see also the picture.)
Those in positions of authority can learn that their actions profoundly influence those under their care. Jehoshaphat did not act as someone who was always right. He was humble, listened to Jehovah's prophet, sought counsel, and encouraged the people to trust in God.
Solomon asked for something similar when he began to reign: an obedient heart so that he could judge the people rightly, as we read at 1 Kings 3:9. Elders can imitate these examples by relying on the Bible, publications, and the experience of other elders before making important decisions, as Proverbs 15:22 reminds us.
And parents should keep this in mind as well. Proverbs 1:8 and 14:1 highlight the importance of wisdom and conduct within the family. This leads us to believe that Christian authority is best exercised through humble and obedient example.
ILLUSTRATION
A body of elders analyzes the instructions and principles of the article “How to Show Love and Mercy to Those Who Commit Serious Sin,” from the August 2024 issue of “The Watchtower.”
The elders listen to Jehovah, the organization, and the other elders (see paragraph 16).
17. Why should we cultivate and maintain an obedient heart?
Because in this way we can be sure that Jehovah will care for us and guide us, regardless of the circumstances we may face. The article has taught us that Jehovah can use human representatives to provide guidance, just as he did in Bible times.
Therefore, we must not allow our limited understanding to lead us to continually question his instructions. Isaiah 55:9 reminds us that Jehovah's thoughts and ways are far above our own.
This makes us think about the importance of maintaining an obedient attitude, not only when everything is easy, but also when we have doubts or must wait to understand the results.
If we cultivate that heart now, our confidence will be stronger when trials come. And above all, we will demonstrate that our obedience stems from our sincere love for Jehovah.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What lessons can we learn from the bad example of the Israelites?
We learn that we should not obey Jehovah only when we see immediate benefits or when circumstances are favorable. The Israelites quickly forgot the wonderful works Jehovah had done for them when a new difficulty arose.
His example teaches us to always remember Jehovah's displays of love, to trust in him, and to remain obedient, even when we do not fully understand his instructions.
How did Jehoshaphat demonstrate that he had “an obedient heart”?
Jehoshaphat showed that he had an obedient heart because he sought Jehovah when he felt afraid. He prayed humbly and accepted the instructions he received through his prophet.
Furthermore, he encouraged the people to trust in Jehovah and acted in faith, even when the suggested strategy seemed unconventional. He did not merely listen to the instructions, but put them into practice.
What do we learn from the example of Jehoshaphat?
We learn that we should seek Jehovah's guidance through prayer and study, strengthen our Bible knowledge, and be humble enough to accept his direction.
We also see that our obedience can positively influence others. Especially those who have responsibilities in the congregation or in the family should remember that their example can help others develop an obedient heart.
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