Earlier this week the world was stunned by Israel breaking its cease-fire with Hamas and attacking the Gaza Strip once again. The Bible has specific teachings about war and when it is appropriate for God’s people (Deuteronomy 20:4, 2 Chronicles 20:15, Psalm 68:30, Ecclesiastes 3:8.)
However, God’s people aren’t meant to be the oppressors or fight the way the world does (Psalm 20:7.) Instead of trusting in God, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israel are following the ways of the world instead of listening to God.
- Out for revenge
- Uncompassionate
- Impatient
God’s people are called to listen to and follow the ways of God instead of the ways of this corrupt temporary world (Deuteronomy 5:33; 28:1.) Like a loving father God wants His people to do what is right (Deuteronomy 6:18, Proverbs 14:12, Isaiah 1:2-17.)
God’s children are commanded to listen to their Heavenly Father instead of themselves or this world (Joshua 1:8, Jeremiah 5:31.)
What Is Listening
Unfortunately, many people don’t really understand what listening is, listening is a lot more than just hearing with our ears. Listening is defined as, “To hear something with thoughtful attention; to give consideration.”
Growing up as an Army brat, my father taught me the real meaning of listening to him. I knew I had to do what I heard my father say. As his child, I had no choice, unless I wanted to suffer the consequences of not obeying my father.
Obedience isn’t legalism; it is a result of love (John 14:15-21.) We will obey and listen to what we love—our parents or our selfish and childish wants.
The New Testament writers also express this understanding that listening is loving (John 14:26, Acts 9:4; 20:32, Hebrews 12:25, James 1:19.) We also commanded to listen to our parents (Ephesians 6:1-4, Colossians 3:20.)
We have all experienced the pain of rejection when people don’t listen to us. God created us to communicate with each other, He also gave us two ears and only one mouth, so we should listen twice as much is we talk.
God’s people are called to listen to God more than anyone or anything else (John 8:47, Romans 10:17, Galatians 3:5; 4:6-9, Philippians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 2:13.) The apostles remembered their Jewish education about listening.
Qôl
The ancient world was full of evil and idols that led people astray as the sinful nature of man continued to deteriorate the relationship between the Creator and the creation (Genesis 6-9.) Judaism teaches there are two impulses in human nature and God’s people are trained and taught to listen to the good voice instead of satisfying their sinful nature.
The Torah tells us that God once again called to a man to help mankind turn back to Himself (Genesis 6:13-9:17.) Noah chose to listen to and obey the voice of God instead of man, idols, and the voices of the fallen world.
The Hebrew word for voice in the Old Testament is qôl and it can also mean, “Sound or loud noise,” depending on the context it is used in. Judaism has a lot to say about voices and who God’s people should listen to (Deuteronomy 13:4; 28:1-2, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Job 33:12-25, Psalm 25:5-9, Proverbs 2:1-5, Ezekiel 3:10.)
The Jewish Shema helps God’s people focus on God and His will, instead of this world and their own selfish wants (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11: 13-21, Numbers 6:15, 37-41.)
- Hear
- Believe
- Love
- Obey
This idea of listening and loving God continues into the New Testament. Jesus also reminded His followers about God’s people’s call to listen to God (Matthew 22:37.) Jesus emphasized the need to not just hear God’s voice, but to do what He says (Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:46-49, John 13:17.)
Even Jesus’ prized pupil failed to learn the lesson of how God’s Kingdom works, so Jesus rebuked Peter for wanting to use force to do God’s will (Matthew 26:52, Luke 22:35, John 18:36.) God’s people are called to practice the words and teaching of God and not follow the ways of this world.
Iran
Over the weekend President Trump ordered airstrikes against Houthis in retaliation for the attacks and threats against the US in the Red Sea. The president promised to rain down hell on Iran if they shelter or support the militant group. While I understand the threat Houthis pose in the world, I don’t agree with his prideful use of force and violence to bring peace to the region.
His agenda and language contradict my personal and Christian beliefs and I am still confused by how any Christian can support a president who contradicts the basic teachings of Jesus.
One of my favorite verses that became real to me after my accident is when Jesus declared, “My sheep know my voice and will not follow another (John 10:10-28.) Our Savior is the Good Shepherd, not a power-hungry wolf.
- Sacrificial
- Caring
- Merciful
- Just
- Patient
The people of God are called to not just hear, but to discern and obey the voice of God. When I was younger I ignored God’s voice and listened to my heart and the voices of this fallen world (Jeremiah 33:3.)
The great Henry Blackaby wrote, “The willingness to obey every word from God is critical to hearing God speak.” Listening to God doesn’t always make us happy or feel good, but it isn’t optional for the people of God (Deuteronomy 4:30-31.) That is why God’s people must test the spirits and discern qôl (John 4:1-21)!
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