Speeding through Afton - a.k.a. Observe & Obey
Confession time. A few weeks ago I took my family on a short getaway to Dallas. It was a quick weekend trip, a time to play, relax, laugh and just enjoy some time together. Overall it was a great trip. Fun was had by all.
There was one moment on the trip that was a bit more stressful. I was cruising along the highway maintaining a speed comparable with the rest of traffic - yes, I was exceeding the speed limit but so was everyone around me, so I presumed I was safe. The kids watched a movie. Londa read a book. I was listening to a podcast. That's when it happened.
Colorful lights began flashing in my rearview mirror. Where had all the other traffic gone? When once I was surrounded by the safety of the crowd I was now alone and my speed caused me to stick out like a sore thumb!
The officer approached my vehicle and asked for my license and proof of insurance. "Did you know you were going 69 mph?" he asked. "Yes," I said. "The speed limit here is 55. Back there it was 45." He informed me. "45! Just a few miles back it was 65. I can see the 70 mph sign from here! Besides, Jesus said, what you must do, do quickly!" I wanted to say, but didn't.
He let me know I was in Afton and there's a 2 mile section where the speed limit drops to 55, then 45, then goes back up to 70. He was gracious enough to write me up a little love note and send us on our merry way. It won't go on my record, but I get to pay $145 for the privilege of driving fast through Afton.
I've enjoyed reading Deuteronomy. It's God's instructions to the children of Israel just before they enter the Promised Land. This verse reminded me of my ticket. Observe and obey, it says. Good advice. There are principles here to be discovered.
1. You can't live God's Word if you don't know God's Word.
2. There's not always safety in numbers. The fact that everyone else is involved in something doesn't make it right. It makes it popular. When the crowd fades you could end up all alone, sticking out like a sore thumb.
3. Obedience begins with knowing right things and is fulfilled in doing right things.
Throughout Deuteronomy God reminds the Children of Israel that He picked them and wants the very best for them. He tells them He has given them the best and shown them the way to blessing and success. They're only responsibility in all this? Observe and obey.
Today - skip the hassle of a ticket. Observe and obey. Stand out from the crowd, not because you've been left behind, but because you're following a different path. You will observe and obey. Discover the blessing and success that comes when you observe and obey all that God commands. It's a choice you'll never regret.
Created about 1 year ago
