God is Speaking, Are we Listening? Are we Obeying?

In the Bible, there are many instances where God spoke specifically to a number of people and used some people to deliver a particular message to specific people. 

Like many of us today, when God speaks, we obey. But there are many who are reluctant for whatever reason and there are many who choose to obey only some of the instructions at any given time. 

There are accounts in the Old and New Testaments that we can refer to.

There’s the story of Moses when he received from God the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. Exodus chapter 19 verse 3 down to Exodus chapter 20 verse 21. 

Specifically in Exodus 19 verses 3-6 reading from the NLT version, ”Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”“

Then we have Isaiah who prophesied about the Messiah.

Isaiah 9:6-7, ”For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!“

 

Jeremiah spoke messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah.

Jeremiah 1:4-10, ”The Lord gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.”“

 

In the New Testament, we see John the Baptist delivering a Word from God in an effort to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus, fulfilling prophecies.

Reading from Matthew 3:1-3 and 6-12, ”In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”“

In Joshua 6, God spoke to Joshua and told him to march around the city of Jericho for seven days. Joshua was obedient and what happened? On the seventh day, as God said it would, the walls of Jericho came tumbling down.

God also spoke to Elijah in 1 Kings 17. God told Elijah to go to the town of Zarephath, approach this widow, we know the story. She had her last food before giving up to die, but she fed Elijah as he asked and her jar of flour and jug of oil never ran out. 

Obedience brings blessings. They heard the Voice of God and they obeyed.

Of course there are others who heard directly from God and carried the message in obedience, like Mary in Luke and Paul in Romans and Galatians. Then there were those who were reluctant, like Jonah. 

Where do we stand today Family? Are we listening to the Voice of God first of all or are we busy doing our own thing?

Can we even say we have distinctly and distinctively heard the Voice of the Lord speaking to us? Whether directly, through someone, through animals, through nature…

The answer to that for us as Christians should be a resounding: yes, we have heard the Voice of God speaking to us. Because we read our Bibles correct? We pray, don’t we? We listen to different messages from different preachers right? 

Sometimes God speaks to us in our moments of meditation, through signs, circumstances or our intuition, and most definitely sometimes through the unexpected person.

To be sure that what we are hearing is from God, we must have that direct connection with the Holy Spirit. Jesus says His sheep hear His Voice. John 10:27.

Again I ask the question: Who among us is the Lord speaking to today? Do you know what He wants you to do? Have we been listening, have we been obedient or have we been ignoring His Voice? Have we obeyed only some of the instructions? Have we despised the messenger? And then we wonder why bad things seem to always happen to us!?

I want to remind us all today Family, that God still speaks and His promises are sure.

In Matthew 24:35, Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” So we can twist it and turn it however we want to suit our fancy, but it is what it is. 

God speaks, Family, we listen and we obey. Amen.

aub 16 January 2024

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