Careful Obedience: A Daily Devotional (Ezra 6:13)

Careful obedience reveals the character of a godly person when facing legitimate authority. Tattenai, a Persian governor, demonstrated this principle when he received King Darius’s decree about the Jewish temple.

How we respond to authority tests our spiritual maturity and wisdom. As believers, we must learn the difference between blind compliance and wise, thoughtful submission to those God has placed over us.

Today, let’s explore how careful obedience honors both God and the authorities He establishes while maintaining spiritual integrity.

Careful Obedience: Key Takeaway

• Prompt and precise obedience to legitimate authority reflects respect for God’s ordained order.

Anchor Bible Verse of the Day

Then Tattenai, governor of the region beyond the River, Shethar-Boznai, and their companions diligently did according to what King Darius had sent.

— (Ezra 6:13, NKJV)

Tattenai had previously questioned the Jews’ right to rebuild the temple. King Darius investigated and found the original decree from King Cyrus permitting the construction.

When the king’s response came, Tattenai faced a decision. He could resist, delay, or obey reluctantly. Instead, he chose immediate and thorough compliance.

This verse captures the moment when careful obedience triumphed over personal preference. Tattenai’s response shows how believers should handle legitimate authority, even when it contradicts our initial position.

Key Explanations

• Diligently did: Carried out the decree with promptness, precision, and thoroughness without delay or half-hearted compliance.

• According to what King Darius had sent: Exact obedience that matched the specific instructions without adding to or subtracting from the command.

• Tattenai, governor: A man in high position who could have resisted but chose submission, modeling humility despite his rank.

Careful Obedience: A Reflection

Careful obedience matters in your daily life more than you might realize. When your boss gives instructions, when government officials issue regulations, or when church leaders provide guidance, your response reveals your spiritual maturity.

Tattenai could have found excuses to delay or partially comply, but he chose exact and immediate obedience.

Paul taught believers about this principle:

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. (Romans 13:1, NKJV).

This doesn’t mean blind obedience to evil commands, but it does mean careful obedience to legitimate authority that doesn’t contradict God’s higher law.

Notice how Tattenai practiced careful obedience. He didn’t just obey; rather, he obeyed “diligently,” meaning he paid attention to details and carried out every aspect of the king’s decree.

This kind of precision honors both the authority and the God who established that authority. When you practice careful obedience at work, you’re not just pleasing your employer but honoring God’s design for order in society.

Think about Daniel in Babylon. He showed careful obedience to the king in all matters except those that directly violated God’s commands. He served excellently, followed regulations precisely, and earned the king’s trust. Only when forced to choose between God and man did he draw the line.

This is the model for careful obedience: complete submission up to the point where human authority demands sin.

How should you apply careful obedience today?

• Examine your attitude toward authority. Do you obey grudgingly or cheerfully?

• Check your thoroughness. Are you cutting corners or following through completely?

• Evaluate your timing. Do you delay obedience or respond promptly like Tattenai?

Let’s remember how Joseph demonstrated faithful obedience to Potiphar before his false imprisonment. His careful obedience prepared him for greater leadership.

Similarly, when you practice careful obedience to earthly authorities, God sees and prepares you for greater kingdom assignments.

Remember that careful obedience doesn’t mean abandoning discernment. If an authority commands something that violates God’s Word, you must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

But within the vast majority of situations where no moral conflict exists, your careful obedience becomes a powerful testimony of Christ’s transforming work in your life.

Like those who keep the faith through difficulty, practicing careful obedience demonstrates trust in God’s sovereign control over all authority structures.

Blessings…!

Call to Action

• Identify one area where you’ve been delaying or half-heartedly obeying authority. Practice careful obedience there today with diligence.

Make This Affirmation

• I will practice careful obedience to legitimate authority as an act of worship to God who establishes order.

Prayer Point for Today

• Grace for Diligent Submission: Ask God to help you obey authorities in your life with the same thoroughness and promptness that Tattenai showed.

Let’s Pray

Our Father, give me a heart that practices careful obedience to the authorities You’ve placed in my life. Help me serve with diligence and precision, honoring You through my submission to legitimate leadership.

In the precious and mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

My prayer for you today: I pray that God helps you practice careful obedience today in every area of authority, bringing honor to His name through your response.