Eʋe: Menye Alɔme Nyae O Lo, Toɖoɖo Hia
Texts: Exodus 17:1–7 · Philippians 2:1–13 · Matthew 21:23–32

Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, our theme for the day reminds us that God is not looking merely for words, promises, or religious declarations; He desires genuine obedience. In Matthew 21:23–32, Jesus tells the story of two sons. One initially refused to obey his father but later changed his mind and went to work. The other said, “Yes, Lord,” but did not go. Jesus, therefore, asks, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” The answer is clear: the one who actually obeyed.

EXPOSITION
In Exodus 17:1–7, the Israelites faced a serious shortage of water at Rephidim. Instead of trusting God, they quarrelled with Moses and questioned whether the Lord was truly among them. Although they had witnessed God’s mighty acts, their actions showed a lack of trust. Their words and past experiences did not produce obedience when they faced a new challenge.
In Philippians 2:1–13, we see the perfect example of obedience in Jesus Christ. He humbled Himself and became “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Christ did not merely speak about the Father’s will; He lived it out completely. Paul, therefore, is calling us believers to follow Christ’s example by putting our faith into action and allowing God to work in us “to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
The message is, therefore, personal and practical. We may say the right things in church, make promises to God and speak confidently about our faith, yet fail to obey Him in our daily lives. True faith is demonstrated through our actions — in our homes, workplaces, relationships, giving, forgiveness, service, and treatment of others.
It is not merely words; obedience is required. “Not words, but the deeds”
Let us, therefore, examine our lives. Are our actions consistent with the words we speak? Are we willing to obey God even when obedience is difficult or inconvenient? Like the first son, we may sometimes begin badly but still have the opportunity to repent and do what is right.

CONCLUSION
God is not impressed by promises that are never fulfilled or words that are never followed by action. He desires hearts that trust Him and feet that follow His will.
Therefore, let every “Yes, Lord” that comes from our lips become a “Yes, Lord” in our daily lives. May our faith be seen not only in what we say but also in how we live. The tax collectors and sinners who repented will go to heaven, the first son who agreed to go but refused to go represents the religious leaders who refused to obey or believe in Jesus Christ. Jesus said “the tax collectors and the harlots go into the Kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31.

PRAYER
Father, forgive us for the times our words have gone ahead of our obedience. Give us humble and willing hearts. Help us to follow the example of Christ, who was obedient even unto death. Give us grace not merely to speak about Your will, but to live according to it each day. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Rev. S. Y. Kpodonu (SKY)