Two questions stand out when we read Luke 6:46 and Acts 8:26-40 together. Jesus asks, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). This question exposes a problem. The second will reveal the solution.
In Acts 8, an Ethiopian official is traveling home from Jerusalem, reading the prophet Isaiah. God sends Philip to explain the Scriptures to him, and Philip shows him how Isaiah points to Jesus. As they travel, the man believes the good news and puts his faith in Christ.
Then they come across some water.
At that moment, the Ethiopian could have asked many questions. “Do I really need to do this?” “Shouldn’t I wait?” “What will people think?” “What if I’m not ready?” Instead, he asks a completely different question:
“What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” (Acts 8:36)
Many of us approach obedience asking, “Why should I?” The Ethiopian asks, “Why not?”
His question reveals a heart that has already settled the bigger issue. Jesus is Lord. Therefore, obedience is not something to be debated, postponed, or negotiated. It is simply the next step.
That is why the Ethiopian’s question is such a fitting answer to Jesus’ question in Luke 6:46. The problem is rarely a lack of clarity about what God wants us to do. More often than not, we’re looking for reasons to delay. We ask, “Why should I obey?” The Ethiopian asks, “Why not obey?”
Whether the issue is baptism, forgiveness, generosity, serving, sharing our faith, or another step God has made clear, the posture of a disciple is not to search for excuses but for opportunities.
Today, consider the areas where God has already spoken clearly. Instead of asking, “Why should I obey?” ask the Ethiopian’s question: “What can stand in the way of obedience?”
Josh Rose
Family Pastor