Are We Listening? ∙∙

Are We Listening? ∙∙

Long ago, God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now, in these last 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!

The Decline of Listening in the Modern Era

In today’s digital and streaming age, one unintended consequence is the diminishing ability to truly listen. In the Western world, the art of listening has become a lost skill, much like a muscle that weakens when not exercised regularly. While listening can be developed and refined through practice, it requires intentional effort to maintain.

Henning Mankell, in his article “The Art of Listening” (December 10, 2011), observed, “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 further noted, “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 do more than simply hear words; they pay attention to the content being communicated. This intentional approach to listening promotes understanding and stronger connections. Conveying content involves more than spoken words; it also includes the speaker’s attitude, the level of formality, and the emotions conveyed through their words.

Understanding the Nature of the Father

To truly understand the nature of God the Father, His direct communication and self-revelation are essential. God has revealed truths about Himself through His Word, which spans centuries of history, prophecy, and teaching. The Old Testament, written between 2000 B.C. and 400 B.C., and the New Testament, composed between 33 A.D. and 90 A.D., together convey a cohesive and unified message. Despite the diversity of authors and the long time span, the Bible’s remarkable consistency is rooted in its ultimate source: God Himself.

This divine revelation reached its culmination with the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. As Hebrews 1:3 states: “The Son is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence.”

To know the Father, we only need to look to the Son. Jesus Christ is the perfect and complete reflection of the Father, fully embodying His nature and essence in every way.

The Greek Terms That Illuminate the Father’s Nature

The Greek word translated as “representation” or “imprint” in Hebrews 1:3 is charakter. This term is derived from the Greek verb charasso, meaning “to cut, scratch, or mark.” Initially, “it referred to the tool used to make a mark, but over time, it came to signify the mark or impression itself.” As noted by A. T. Robertson, this context, charakter conveys “the idea of an exact reproduction or imprint.

The second Greek word, translated as “nature” or “essence,” is hypostasis. Friberg explains that this term refers to “the fundamental reality or substance underlying all things.” Moffat adds, when applied to God, hypostasis takes on “a more abstract, philosophical sense, making it difficult to fully grasp its depth.” In essence, it signifies that the Son shares the same divine nature as the Father, being fully God Himself.

In simple terms, the Lord Jesus Christ is the exact imprint of the Father’s nature and essence. He is the perfect representation of God, making the invisible Father visible to humanity.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father’s self-revelation through Jesus Christ underscores His desire for a relationship with His people. He knows all things and desires the best for His children. Yet, in the busyness of life, the question remains: when it comes to the individual details of our everyday lives, do we really listen?

Father, may I hear, listen to, and receive what You are trying to communicate to me. May I respond appropriately.

INSIGHT

The Abundance of Scripture in the Modern World

In the 21st century, the Bible is widely accessible in many parts of the world, especially in the United States, where its abundance is often taken for granted. However, such availability is far from universal and has been rare throughout much of history. Pause for a moment and consider experiencing an intense longing for something that could satisfy the deepest needs of your soul, a yearning so profound that nothing else can fill it. Then, unexpectedly, you discover something extraordinary, something that not only fills that void but exceeds all expectations.  

This was the life-changing experience of the Israelites after their return from Babylonian exile. For decades, they had been without access to the Word of God, enduring a spiritual drought. When they finally heard the Scriptures proclaimed again, it was as if their parched souls were refreshed with life-giving water. The Word of God brought them profound joy, renewal, and restoration, reviving their faith and reaffirming their identity as God’s people. This moment was far more than simply hearing words; it was a reconnection with the divine source of hope, guidance, and purpose that had been absent for so long.

David expressed the joy he felt when he was nourished by God’s words in Psalms 19:10: “They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.”

The Joy of Rediscovering God’s Word

The scene described in Nehemiah 8:1-10 is a powerful and transformative moment in Israel’s history, capturing the deep spiritual hunger and renewal of a people who had been deprived of God’s Word during their years of exile. It is a vivid illustration of the profound impact the Scriptures can have when they are rediscovered and embraced.

Nehemiah 8:1 sets the stage: “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.”

This gathering was a deliberate and heartfelt act of unity, driven by a collective longing to reconnect with God’s teachings. Their hunger for God’s Word was clear as they stood attentively from morning until noon, listening carefully to the reading of the Law.

Nehemiah 8:3 describes their devotion: “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.”

Ezra, standing on a wooden platform elevated above the crowd, opened the Book of the Law in full view of the assembly. The people’s response was immediate and reverent. As he opened the book, the people stood up in respect.

Nehemiah 8:5-6: “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. 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.

This act of standing, lifting hands, and bowing in worship reflects their deep respect for God and their recognition of His authority. To ensure everyone could grasp the meaning of the Scriptures, the Levites played a crucial role in explaining and interpreting the passages.

Nehemiah 8:7-8 states: “The Levites…then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places. 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.”

This moment shows that it’s important not only to hear God’s Word but also to understand it. True change happens when we comprehend and apply it.

As the people absorbed the truths of the Word of God, they experienced deep emotions and cried. They recognized their sins and the holiness of God’s message, which touched their hearts. However, Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites reminded them that this day was not for sadness but for celebration.

Nehemiah 8:9-10: captures their encouragement:

“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.

And Nehemiah continued, ‘Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!’”

This moment of renewal was not only about conviction but also about joy. It served as a powerful reminder that God’s Word not only reveals sin but also offers the hope of restoration and the strength to live in His joy. The day became a celebration of God’s unwavering faithfulness, emphasizing that His Word is both a guiding light and a profound source of joy.

The Transformative Power of God’s Word

The people’s response to hearing the Word of God was profound. They demonstrated:

• Eager attentiveness (Nehemiah 8:3) as they listened carefully to the reading.
• Reverence and worship (Nehemiah 8:5-6) as they stood, raised their hands, and bowed in awe.
• Understanding (Nehemiah 8:7-8) as the Levites explained the meaning of the text.
• Repentance (Nehemiah 8:9) as they wept, convicted by the truths they heard.

This moment demonstrates the living and active nature of God’s Word. As described in Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

God’s Word not only reveals His character but also convicts, enriches, and transforms those who hear it. It offers a unique mix of joyful sorrow, a deep conviction of sin, and the joy of God’s grace and love.

Listening to the Father

The Father offers a personal and intimate relationship with His children, one that involves two-way communication. We speak to Him through heartfelt prayer, and He speaks to us through His Word, His Spirit, and His guidance in our lives.

Hebrews 3:15: “Today, when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.”

God continues to communicate with His people, revealing His will and offering His love. The question remains: Are we truly listening?

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© Dr. H 2026