Are we listening? ∙
Long ago, God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now, in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. – Hebrews 1:1-2
Hebrews 12:25 Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!
One unintended consequence of our digital, streaming era is the decline of the art of listening among individuals in the Western world. Similar to any skill, listening can be developed and honed through practice. However, it resembles a muscle that atrophies when not exercised regularly.
Henning Mankell, in his article, “The Art of Listening,” December 10, 2011, wrote, “In Africa, listening is a guiding principle. It’s a principle that’s been lost in the constant chatter of the Western world, where no one seems to have the time or even the desire to listen to anyone else.” He added, “Many people make the mistake of confusing information with knowledge. They are not the same thing. Knowledge involves the interpretation of information. Knowledge involves listening.”
Good listeners focus on the content being communicated. They actively engage with what they hear and ask questions to clarify and better understand what they hear. They take thoughtful pauses, allowing time for reflection while formulating their responses.
Understanding the nature of the Father The answer to this question requires direct communication and disclosure from Him. He has revealed truths about Himself and His ways through the Word of God. The messages, stories, history, and prophecies of the Old Testament were written between 2000 B.C. and 400 B.C., while the New Testament was written between 30 A.D. and 90 A.D. Despite spanning a considerable timeframe and utilizing various methods, the self-revelation of the Father maintains a sense of continuity and unity. Although written by many individuals, the ultimate source is the Father Himself. When the Lord Jesus Christ came, the revelation reached its zenith.
Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence.
If we want to know the Father, we simply look at the Son. The Lord Jesus Christ is the complete and definitive representation of the Father. He is the unequivocal embodiment of the Father’s essence.
The Greek word translated as representation or imprint is charakter. Charakter comes from the Greek verb charasso, to cut, to scratch, to mark. In its early usage, it referred to the tool used to mark or cut. Later it denoted the mark or impression made with the tool. Thus, it came to mean the exact reproduction (A.T. Robertson).
The second Greek word translated as nature or essence is hypostasis. It denotes the objective aspect and fundamental reality that underlies all things (Friberg). When applied to God, this word assumes a more abstract and philosophical connotation, making it challenging to grasp its full meaning (Moffatt). It is beyond our grasp to completely comprehend what it entirely means. In simple terms, the Son shares the same essence as God the Father, being fully God Himself. The Son is exactly like the Father.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the exact representation, the imprint, of the Father’s nature and essence.
REFLECT & PRAY
Conceptually, we understand that the Father knows everything and desires only the best for every child of the King. But when it comes to the individual details of our everyday lives, do we really listen?
Father may I hear, listen, and receive what You are trying to communicate with me. May I respond accordingly?
INSIGHT
In the 21st century, copies of the Bible are plentiful throughout much of the world. In the United States, we tend to take them for granted. However, this is not the case for the rest of the world, nor has it been throughout history. Imagine for a moment what it would be like to have an unquenchable desire for something that meets the insatiable longing of our souls but find nothing that satisfies it. Then, unexpectedly, we stumble upon something extraordinary and marvelous that fills that void. It is more delightful and sweeter than the sweetest honey from the honeycomb (Psalms 19:10).
Such was the remarkable experience of the people of Israel after the Babylonian captivity. After enduring decades without access to the Word of God, they were finally granted the opportunity to listen to its teachings, internalize its wisdom, and experience an immense delight.
Just imagine being present among them as they gathered to hear Ezra recite the law of God for the very first time. Their innermost beings were saturated with profound truths as they absorbed them. Overwhelmed with indescribable joy, they found themselves filled with awe, euphoria, and an outpouring of spontaneous praise and worship toward the Father. In light of such a profound encounter, would you do anything less?
Nehemiah 8:1-10
1 all the people assembled with a unified purpose at the square just inside the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had given for Israel to obey.
3 He faced the square just inside the Water Gate from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law.
4 Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform that had been made for the occasion. . ..
5 Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet.
6 Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
7 The Levites . . . then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places.
8 They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.
9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
10 And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate . . ..”
The people responded with eager attentiveness (Nehemiah 8:3), reverence and worship (Nehemiah 8:5-6), understanding (Nehemiah 8:7-8), and repentance Nehemiah 8:9) (Stanley).
The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). As it reveals the Father to us, we are enriched yet convicted and experience a kind of inexplicable joyful sorrow. The Father offers us a personal, intimate relationship. It is a two-way communication. We speak to Him in honest, heartfelt prayer. We hear His voice as He speaks to our minds, hearts, and spirits.
Hebrews 3:15 Today, when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.
God continues to speak, but are we listening?
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© Dr. H 2023
Dr H Reflections 