You said, "Listen Now"

Job 42:4  You said, “Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.”

            I hear many sounds and noises. In addition, because of tinnitus I also hear a constant high-pitched ringing in my ears. So in order for me to listen I must focus and pay attention to the speaker. For me hearing is easy but listening is a challenge, and all the more so if I know I will be asked to respond. If I were to put myself in Job’s sandals, being in his deteriorated physical condition, and having several friends about me “talking my ear off” (e.g., scolding, chiding, etc.); I’m sure the words of the LORD, “Listen now” would have quickly gotten my attention!

            Today, God most often speaks to us by His written Word, but I wonder if we do any better listening to His Word, or if we just hear words as we skim through the Bible’s pages. Listening also involves a depth of comprehension of the words being spoken; so too does reading God’s Word. How many times have we been guilty of reading any number of verses or pages for the purpose of checking off our daily reading list rather than paying attention to the words being read? Do we delve deeper by checking out unfamiliar words? Do we take time to review similar passages? Would we read the Bible any more carefully/thoughtfully/prayerfully if we knew we would be required to respond?

Deuteronomy 11:18-19  Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; … Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Deuteronomy 26:16-17  The LORD your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. You have declared this day that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to him.

Joshua 1:8  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.

Nehemiah 8:3b, 5b, 8  And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. … and as he opened it, the people all stood up … They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.

Psalm 119:11  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Romans 15:4  For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

2 Thessalonians 2:15  So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

2 Timothy 3:16-17  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

James 1:22  Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

1 Peter 3:15  But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…

            And finally, we are given the warning not to add or take away from the Word of God:

Revelation 22:18-19  I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone add anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

            But I ask you, dear Reader, and leave you with this question to ponder: How can you possibly know if someone is adding to, or taking away from, the words of Scripture unless you, yourself, make the effort to become familiar with it?

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            We repent of our neglect for reading and listening to Your Word. You have promised to guide our understanding when we lack wisdom (James 1:5). Help us to be diligent both in reading and in obeying Your Word.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional You said, “Listen Now” appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com