Anchor Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:40

“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way, (NIV).”

In the passage above, the Apostle Paul instructs the church to do all things “decently and in order.” His words point to proper sequence, timing, and structure rather than disorder or impulse. They also reflect what Paul had learned through his walk with God: God acts with purpose and order and expects His children to do the same.

God of Order, Plan, and Purpose

The Old Testament records God’s covenant with Israel, a covenant described as a “shadow of things to come” (Col. 2:17). Israel’s journey through the wilderness, entry into the Promised Land, and subsequent history reveal, in this understanding, patterns of how God purposes to order His kingdom. Israel therefore served as a witness to God’s plan for humanity, demonstrating principles of order that also point toward eschatological events.

The Choice of Israel: The Obedience of One Man

God’s created order reveals His wisdom and purpose; indeed, “the heavens declare the glory of the Lord” (Ps. 19:1). Israel’s selection as a witness was not favoritism but was connected to the faith and obedience of its ancestors. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob established a legacy of submission to God, and Scripture says that Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness” (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3; Gal. 3:6). Because God is righteous, just, loving, and no respecter of persons, Abraham’s descendants became the people through whom He would model things to come.

Abraham’s obedience also illustrates how one person’s faithfulness can affect future generations. His obedience brought blessing to his descendants. That example invites each of us to examine our own response to God’s instructions. Are we carrying them out in a way that pleases Him? Could our obedience establish a spiritual legacy that blesses our children and generations beyond them?

Other Examples of Obedience in the Bible

David likewise established a legacy through obedience. God called him a man after His own heart and made a covenant with him, promising to establish his throne and extend mercy to his descendants (2 Sam. 7:15). David’s example shows that obedience expresses love for God and brings blessing. Jesus made the connection plainly: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15–16).

The Rechabites provide another example (Jer. 35). Their ancestor instructed them to live simply, dwell in tents, and abstain from alcohol rather than make the accumulation of material possessions their chief aim (Jer. 35:1–11). Their way of life illustrates the principle that a person’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15), but in faithful obedience and righteous living.

The Rechabites honored their ancestor’s instructions, and God commended their obedience (Jer. 35:12–18). Their story demonstrates the importance God places on faithfulness. My own desire is that my life and ministry will be pleasing to the Lord (Eph. 5:10), and I extend the same challenge to you: live in a way that pleases God, both for the present and for the spiritual legacy your obedience may leave to future generations.

This introduction establishes a central theme: God acts intentionally, with order and structure, and obedience brings our lives into alignment with His purposes. This principle provides the foundation for the rest of this series, which will examine the Jubilee laws in Leviticus 25 and 26 and their relationship to eschatological events. The coming installments will explore the doctrine of Jubilee more deeply, seeking to understand its purpose within God’s plan for the reconciliation of all things to Himself. Read more here.