Remember the cell phone commercial that asks “can you hear me now?” I imagine that’s what God says to a lot of Christians who are not accustomed to hearing His voice. I’m not talking about some momentous, supernatural event. I am taking about listening to Him on a regular basis. If I am to grow as a believer, I must hear God. It is easy for a Christian to grow into the image of the church they attend, without hearing from God.
You can be conformed to the likeness of the religion of men, without hearing from God. You can do spiritual disciplines without hearing from God. But you cannot grow into the image of God, or be conformed to the likeness of Christ, or bear spiritual fruit such as Truth and Love, without hearing from God. Hearing from God helps us to trust Him, know and obey His will, and change our heart.
“He that has ears, let him hear,” Matthew 13:9. I am convinced that we are too easily distracted in the rush of this modern world we live in. There are so many choices and there are so many distractions—all demanding our time and our attention. Sadly it seems that we only hear what we want to hear, and we often completely tune out the voice of our Lord. The scriptures are truth; it is a promise: “My sheep hear my voice.” It does not say we could, should or might hear His voice. It is crystal clear: “My sheep hear my voice.” The scriptures also tell us: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God,” Matthew 4:4.
The Greek word ‘proceeds’ speaks of a continuing function, something that happened in the past, the present, and will continue to take place in the future. If you are not meditating on God’s word, or you never have time to wait upon the Lord, then how can the Lord come and quicken His Word to your heart. Why do some not believe? Why do some not hear the voice of the Lord? Think about it: “My sheep hear my voice.” Are you a sheep?
God bless!
My weekly prayer is that the reader of this commentary becomes spiritually inspired of God. Become an Intercessory Prayer Partner with Expressions of Faith. Contact EOF at P.O. Box 330127, Nashville, Tenn. 37203; or e-mail <watsonwr68@gmail.com>.
