Hold Firmly to God’s First Instruction

Shalom!

Welcome as we reflect on the Word of God—the true source of life and guidance for our souls.

1. God’s Instructions Are Not Arbitrary or Changing

A foundational truth in theology is that God is immutable—He does not change in nature, purpose, or will.

“For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”
— Malachi 3:6 

This also means that His commands are deliberate and purposeful. When God gives an instruction, He expects full obedience unless He clearly reveals its fulfillment or expiration.

Unfortunately, many believers today ignore the original instructions God gave them. Instead, they wait for new revelations or adapt to changing circumstances, assuming that God must have

changed His mind. This mindset often leads to spiritual stagnation, delayed blessings, or even divine correction.

2. Biblical Examples of Ignoring the First Command

a. The Disobedient Prophet – 1 Kings 13

God sent a young prophet to confront King Jeroboam with a specific command:

• He was not to eat, drink, or return by the same path (1 Kings 13:9).
  But after completing his mission, an older prophet lied to him, claiming that an angel had brought new instructions (1 Kings 13:18). Trusting the man over God’s original command, he disobeyed—and was killed by a lion (1 Kings 13:24).

Theological Insight:
This story reveals a key truth: Experience, age, or status do not override God’s Word.
Paul warned believers not to accept even “an angel from heaven” preaching a different gospel (Galatians 1:8). God’s Word must remain our highest authority.

b. Balaam’s Compromise – Numbers 22

Balaam was initially forbidden by God to go and curse Israel (Numbers 22:12). However, he persisted, and God allowed him to go—but with wrath and judgment (Numbers 22:20–22).

Theological Insight:
God sometimes permits what He has already warned against—not as approval but as a form of judgment (Romans 1:24). Disobedience disguised as “divine permission” is often the result of self-deception.

3. The Danger of Abandoning God’s Commission – Ezra 1–6

After 70 years in Babylon, God stirred King Cyrus of Persia to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, fulfilling Jeremiah’s prophecy.

“Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven…has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem.”
— Ezra 1:2 

At first, the people obeyed. But opposition arose (Ezra 4:1–5), and a new king issued a decree to halt construction (Ezra 4:23). The Jews became discouraged and stopped the work for nearly 16 years (Haggai 1:2–4).

Theological Insight:
Human opposition does not override divine instruction.

“We must obey God rather than men.” — Acts 5:29 

Later, God raised prophets Haggai and Zechariah to remind them to resume building (Haggai 1:4–8, Zechariah 1:3–6). The delay wasn’t due to God changing His mind—it was due to their fear and forgetfulness.

4. The Unchanging Great Commission – Mark 16:15–16

Jesus gave us a clear and final command:

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
— Mark 16:15–16 

Yet, in many places today, laws restrict evangelism. Some Christians hesitate, saying, “Maybe this is not the right time.” But God has not revoked this commission.

Theological Insight:
Jesus’ command is universal and timeless. It reflects God’s missional nature (Matthew 28:19–20) and is part of our identity as the Church. Postponing it out of fear is practical unbelief.

5. Excuses and Delays Are Often Spiritual Traps

Many believers say:

• “I’m waiting for a better season.”

• “My finances aren’t ready.”

• “My family life is too complicated.”
  But these are often tools of the enemy to delay your obedience. Remember the parable of the banquet—those who made excuses were replaced (Luke 14:16–24).

Faith requires action—even in uncertainty.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
— Proverbs 3:5 

6. The Journey of Faith Is Not Always Smooth

Following God’s command won’t always be easy. There will be resistance, confusion, and discouragement. But God is with us.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… when you walk through fire you shall not be burned.”
— Isaiah 43:2 

This promise has always been true—from Abraham to Moses, from the early Church to today.

Conclusion: Stay Committed to What God First Told You

God is not double-minded (James 1:17). His first instruction still stands unless He clearly changes it.

• Don’t abandon your calling because of pressure.

• Don’t let fear or delay steal your assignment.

• Don’t wait for a second voice when the first was clear.

Obey, endure, and trust. God is faithful to complete what He began in you (Philippians 1:6).

Shalom.

Print this post