“God’s promise of entering His rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For this good news – that God has prepared this rest – has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God. For only we who believe can enter His rest.” (Hebrews 4:1-3a NLT)
Aren’t you grateful that God’s Word is rich with meaning and packed with practical guidance in how to see Him more clearly, follow Him more nearly, and love Him more dearly! The above verses beg our attention as they grab us by the shoulders and shout to us: “ARE YOU LISTENING?”
We tend to take so much for granted as believers in Jesus. We too often wrongly assume that our relationship with the Lord demands less attention and effort than any other meaningful and close relationship we have, when in fact it demands more. It’s as if we hear the words, but their meaning, power, and application escape us.
The words in the verse above: “they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God.,” speak of those who heard the words, but didn’t make the connection to their faith. It’s like many who sit under the teaching of godly men and women who share truth and give sound wisdom, but only those who are listening with more than their ears will hear it.
“Listening” here implies pondering, considering, thinking through the implications of what’s being said, then making application to their life in ways that enable them to live out those implications. For example, recently our church offered a series of classes called “Spring Studies.” The three avenues of opportunity included: “How to Study the Bible,” “How to Share the Gospel,” and “How the Gospel does what religion cannot.”
My choice was “How to Study the Bible.” If you know me you may wonder, as my wife did, “Why that one?’ And my answer is simple, “If I can glean one insight or idea that can enable me to be a better student of God’s Word, it will be worth it.” Day one and God gave me an insight that helped me to see Him more clearly.
The Pastor leading our group said: “Everything Jesus desires to do through you, He will accomplish out of the overflow of His relationship with you.” BOOM! The light came on. Why? Because I heard something with my ears that resonated with my spirit. That made sense to me, and it helped me to see more clearly that I need to allow everything I’m reading, hearing, studying, thinking, and experiencing be a means of enabling me to deepen my relationship with my Savior.
Nothing happens in our life except it passes through the filter of God’s permission, so, it stands to reason if God allows it, He has intention, a reason; thus, a purpose for it’s use in our life. Of course, it can be a practical reason. We may be preparing to leave for an extended period and a pipe breaks. “Horrible timing!” is our first thought. But what if it had broken an hour after we’d left?
What is God saying to you today? He speaks EVERY DAY! But if we’re not listening we can easily miss it. Read His Word with your spirit, not just your eyes and/or ears. Let your spirit resonate with His voice, responding to His voice with more than affirmation, but with a desire for application.
He’s always speaking, are you listening? Please, for your sake and for the sake of those you’re seeking to influence for Him, please listen…carefully!
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 