Obedience cannot be underestimated when it comes to our relationship with the Lord. Numbers 9 makes this clear in two different examples of what it means to precisely follow God's instructions.
First, there are the rules concerning the Passover. As the Israelites prepared to celebrate the first Passover since leaving Egypt (one year after the original event), a question is raised as to whether those who are ceremonially unclean from touching a corpse should still participate in the Passover. When Moses inquires of the Lord about this, he relays that, yes, even those unclean or on a journey should still keep the Passover in accordance with the rest of the community. However - anyone who is not unclean or not away and yet does not celebrate the Passover shall be cut off from the people! This strict punishment is for those who would disobey the Lord in regards to maintaining a faithful observance of the Passover.
Second, verses 15 through 23 describe in explicit detail how the Israelites would follow the leading of the Lord when it came to the "cloud by day, fire by night" that rested upon the Tabernacle. Whenever it set out, the Israelites would immediately pack up and follow. And if it did not depart from the Tabernacle, the Israelites would remain where they were, no matter if that were for two days or a month or longer. The Israelities knew they had to be absolutely faithful in following God.
What role does obedience hold in your relationship with God?
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