Read Hebrews 3:12-15
John 1:14 says that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” God expressed Himself through the Living Word
of Jesus. When a word is expressed the
appropriate response is to pay attention – listen! (Matthew 17:5) Unfortunately, a lot of us suffer from a
“listening” ailment. We are not hard of
hearing; we are hard of listening.
The term “hard of hearing” doesn’t actually come from sounds
being hard to hear, but the hardening of the parts of the ear that make hearing
possible. Hard of listening is also a
result of hardening – the hardening of the will and heart. The outcome can be
devastating. Proverbs 28:14 says it leads to “trouble” NIV or “calamity”
NAS. The Hebrew word is ra’, which means to deviate from what is
good and godly, to go bad, or spoil by breaking. It is a gradual hardness that seems to sneak
up on us and rob us from being able to “hear” what God has to say to us. Because it is so subtle, Hebrews 3:13 reminds
us that we desperately need each other to keep us alert and paying attention. We need those who keep asking: Are you
listening to God? This is something that needs to be addressed “today” - every day!
So what are we to be listing for? Elijah, Eliphaz and Job all mentioned hearing
God’s voice. Each one described it as a
“whisper” (1 Kings 19:11-13; Job 4:12,16; 26:14) God’s voice of choice is
gentle stillness. We have to recognize that still quiet voice when He speaks.
He will not yell louder than the clamoring of our brains or the distractions in
this world. Since God speaks quietly into our heart and mind, we need to know
some identifying characteristics that help us differentiate what is being said
from our own thought process or deceiving spirits (1 John 4:1).
1) Never deviates from the truth. Truth and grace is the
only things the Holy Spirit can or will say. (John 16:13) It will never
contradict or compromise the inspired Word of God, thus will always stand the
test of Scripture. Though what is being said may be “true,” if it is not
gracious, it is not truth and is not God speaking.
2) Sounds like Jesus. It will always be true to His
nature and consistent with things He has already said in His recorded word. Since
Jesus always pleased the Father (John 8:29) what He says will be
pleasing to God as well. 1 Corinthians 2:16 tells us that we have the mind of
Christ. We know what He thinks about the Father, people and priorities, etc..
What He says will align with what He thinks.
3) “Higher” (Isaiah 55:8,9). There is a uniqueness that comes from God’s
thoughts and ways being higher than ours.
When He speaks, it often reveals a greater knowledge or gives an insight
that can come only from God. It points out a perspective that we had not
previously considered. His Spirit graciously brings to mind things heard, read
or experienced that provided needed insight or clarity. (John 14:26)
4) Expect questions!
(Matthew 7:7,8) Questions make you dig deeper. Questions require
thinking it through, accessing your perspective, evaluating what you believe,
and aligning your heart and mind to that of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5,6)
Hearing all this requires listening!
Making it
Personal
A hearing test ranks how well you hear. Where on the
following scale would you rank on listening test?
Stone deaf
_____________________________________________High clarity
What practical steps can you take to improve your
listening?
Hearing God is what sets us apart as belonging to God.
(John 10:27) But it is more than just “hearing” God. “My
sheep listen … and they follow Me.” When Samuel was a boy and heard God speak,
he responded, “Speak, for your servant is
listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10) The word “listening” is shama – to hear with the intent to pay attention and obey. (James 1:22) What determines if or how quickly or
completely your follow or do what you hear God tell you?
What practical steps can you take to improve your
response time?
In 1 Kings 3:5-10, God offered Solomon “whatever you want.” Solomon asked for “an understanding heart” - a shama heart that could consistently hear
the Lord and do what the Lord wanted. If
God offered you “whatever,” is a listening/doing heart what you would want? Do
you want one now? If so, simply (and sincerely) ask. It is never too late.
(Ezekiel 36:26)
