Radical Obedience

……. first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
(Mat 5:24)

The altar is place of determination of our obedience as it was with King Saul (1 Sam 15:22), specific instructions were given on building an altar lest we pollute it (Exo 20:25). Yes, the altar can be polluted by human intervention where our prayers will not be acceptable to the Holy God. The altar is place of our undefiled communion with God; it distinguishes between His people and those who aren’t. We may not build heathen altars but the builder’s radical obedience will be tested.

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any; ……….
(Mar 11:25)

The Lord who looks at the heart and not on what was placed on the altar will ask us if we are willing to do what is the ‘first’. Meaning there are important matters to clear with others before we worship, pray or to serve Him. We often are interested in the doing more than face the dealings. We may ask ‘What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?’ (John 6:28), which is less confrontational and threatening. Most are willing to be radical for Christ in works, even to forsake the world as it were in order to do. But the test before allowing the fire of God to consume the gift on the altar is to just go and be reconciled. How can we love our enemies (Matt 5:44) if we can’t even work out reconciliation in fear and trembling with our own brother or sister?

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: …….
(1Jn 4:20)

Radical obedience is to go and do the ‘first’ things. Radical obedience is facing up with the truth of our true allegiance and love for God. It is when we are ready to risk our reputation, as Jesus made Himself of no reputation by choice (Phil 2:7) for the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18). Praying is more than communicating with God, it’s a relationship. Before we vertically commune with God, we need to be restored horizontally. How much are we willing to radically obey?