When I first began attending the church which is now my home, an older couple welcomed us with smiles and an invitation to Sunday School. As we settled in as active participants, these passionate Christians, John and Jewell, continued to mentor us. “Trust and Obey” was sweet Jewell’s favorite hymn.

More than forty years later, each time we sing this song in church, I remember Jewell’s goodness and kindness. She was a wonderful mentor and role model. When I grow up, I want to be just like her!

Trust and Obey

This past week, I viewed a sermon by one of my favorite television ministers and authors, Dr. David Jeremiah. I didn’t see the title of his message, but the theme focused on trust and obedience.

I thought of my friend Jewell. She lived the example of her favorite song. She trusted God with all her heart and strived to be obedient to Him in all situations. She’s my hero.

Jesus lived the example of obedience

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death–even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8)

Jesus trusted His Father’s call to sacrifice Himself to redeem humankind. He obediently responded to His Father’s command. In response, God fulfilled the trust Jesus had in Him.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

Jesus knew His purpose from the beginning of His ministry. He attempted to explain to His disciples. Perhaps they struggled, as much as we sometimes do, to understand the magnitude of our Lord’s mission on earth.

“For I come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of those he has given me, but raise then up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:38-40)

Our Father’s will

As we remember our Lord’s gift of love to us by His death on a cross, I pray we will also recognize that Jesus trusted His Father fully. He knew the trial would be difficult and painful.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. (Luke 22:42)

• Jesus prayed for release for what He knew was coming, but didn’t turn away from His Father’s plan.
• It was our Father’s will that Jesus complete the task of sacrificial love.
• Jesus trusted and He obeyed.

My friend Jewell lived His example.

Can we?

As Jewell was my mentor for trust and obedience, can I mentor others? Can we, as Christians, share the story of Easter with others?

The greatest gift of love.