OBEDIENCE

“But if you listen to what [the angel I am sending] says and do everything I tell you, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.”
Exodus 23:22

How many times have I disobeyed Adonai? I think I lost count after a few million to be honest. But why is it that I disobey as often as I do? Is it that I forget what the 613 mitzvot say? Is it that my flesh is that strong? Is it that I just don’t care? I think the answer lies in all three at times, if I am being honest. I am at a point now where I find myself studying the Torah more than ever, seeking to learn the truth and know more intently what it says. I am at a place where I want to obey Adonai and leave my flesh behind. And I am looking in the mirror at myself and seeing a new me; a me where I know longer want to be in charge of my life but rather want Him to be in charge. With that said, Exodus 23:22 speaks volumes to me.
It is in this passage that Moshe continues to hear the voice of Adonai giving instruction to him. Adonai speaks that He is sending an angel ahead of Moshe and all of Isra’el to guard them on their way, as well as bring them to the Promise Land. Adonai then states that this angel is to be heard, understood, and paid attention to. The angel was to be listened to and heeded, for he would not put up with the wrongdoing of the people. This was because the name of Adonai resided in him. A promise was found in obedience to him, however. Adonai stated that in listening, He alone would be an enemy to the enemies of the people and a foe to the foes. What an awesome thought when we think on it, that the enemies that would oppose us were the very same enemies that Adonai would stand to oppose on our behalf.
My thoughts are only my own, but in reading this my thoughts return to what I stated at the beginning. Why do I make so many wrong decisions and allow so much sin in, especially knowing that these choices only cause a spiritual death for myself? Adonai’s Word does not change. He will still be the enemy to those who oppose me, and the foe to those who work to take me down, but if I obey like He requests, and requires actually, I will find Him to be all that He has promised.

Exodus 23:20-25