Just Listen
Dearly beloved of God, people are willing to do amazing things because they think it will enable them to hear from God.
Some people take pilgrimages to what they deem as holy lands thinking that they will be able to hear from God better in a certain location.
Others “fast” thinking that it will help them hear Gods voice, while others beat themselves thinking it will make them more spiritual so that God will speak to them.
People try things such as fire walking, seances, meditation, abstaining from meats, celibacy, and on and on, thinking that these things will help them hear God’s voice.
Dearly beloved, what do we have to do for God to speak to us? Listen.
“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord . . ..”
I Thessalonians 4:15. What follows is God speaking; it is the word of the Lord concerning our hope in Christ. If you want to hear the Lord speak about our hope in Christ all you have to do is read it.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God [theopneustos: God-breathed], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” II Timothy 3:16
The scriptures are all God-breathed; they came out of the mouth of God. God has spoken to us.
Peter was present on the Mount of Transfiguration and he was an eye witness of his majesty. He himself heard God say, “This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.”
That same Peter wrote in the next verse: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy….” It is more sure than having been present with the Lord and hearing God speak to them. Peter then writes:
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation, for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” See the record in II Peter 1:16-21.
The scriptures are the Word of God, and they are more sure than any spiritual experience you could ever have. The scriptures are God speaking. God revealed His Word so that we can know His Will. He has spoken to us.
The Apostle Paul wrote: “If in fact you have heard about the administration of the grace of God that was given to me for you (namely that by revelation the mystery was made known to me even as I briefly wrote previously) then you are able by reading to grasp my understanding in the mystery pertaining to Christ.” Ephesians 3:2-4
God revealed His Word to Paul, and He had him write it down so we can read it. God just spoke to you again, dearly beloved.
“Who [God] will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” I Timothy 2:4. There, God spoke again.
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature….” II Peter 1:2-4
God has spoken about “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” Apparently God has had quite a lot to say.
It does not matter if God speaks to us in a letter, or by a prophet, or He sends an angel with a message, or He speaks to us out of a burning bush, or a little maid speaks His Word; if God originated the information we have heard from God.
God says that His people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge of His Word. He says that they wander aimlessly without His Word. He wants us to hear Him, dearly beloved.
Open His Word and receive what He has to say with meekness. When you are reading His Word you are standing in the presence of God, and He is speaking to you; just listen.