Can You Hear the Heavenly Voice?

One of the most effective ad campaigns has been for Verizon Wireless.  It is based on a simple question, “Can you hear me now?”  It is one of those ad campaigns that has worked its way into our vocabulary.

In a sense Jesus asked this question during His ministry and continues to ask it today.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear – Matt. 11:15, Matt. 13:9, Matt. 13:43, Mark 4:9, Luke 8:8, Luke 14:35

Few in Jesus’ day had ears to hear and few today have ears to hear.  We must tune our ears to hear the words of Jesus and teach others to tune their ears.

We must be careful that we do not refuse to hear as God speaks.    

Heb. 12:25-29 – do not refuse to hear

The writer is directing their minds to several different times and yet bringing all things to God through Jesus.

Heb. 12:18-21 – They are reminded of their forefathers actions at Mt. Sinai.

Ex. 20:18-19 – the people were afraid

As God established is covenant with Israel they were reminded time and again to be obedient.  When they were not they suffered God’s wrath.

Now God speaks to us through His Son Jesus.  If the Israelites did not escape God’s wrath what makes us think we will today?

vs.25

Heb. 1:1-2 – God speaks to us through His Son.

Matt. 17:5 – “Hear Him!”

Heb. 2:1-3

· give heed so we don’t drift

· previous words were established and true

· how can we escape if we neglect

vs.26

Hag. 2:6-7 – this prophesy points to Jesus; this temple would be filled with glory beyond Solomon’s by Jesus

vs.27

Dan. 2:44 – a kingdom would come that would consume all kingdoms      

Matt. 16:18-19 – the church is that kingdom

This kingdom would “shake out” all man made religions and thoughts, even Judaism, and leave only the church, the kingdom of God.

vs.28

This is what we are receiving, have received.  It cannot be shaken.

Acts 4:17-21 – Peter and John threatened

Acts 5:40-42 – The apostles were beaten.

Acts 7:54-8:4 – Stephen is martyred and the church is persecuted.

In all of this the church grows and the kingdom is not shaken.

Because we know the kingdom cannot be shaken let us be thankful and serve God according to His will, with reverence and fear.  If the kingdom cannot be shaken then our salvation should not be shaken.

2 Tim. 4:8 – crown of righteousness awaits

Rom. 12:1-2 – a living sacrifice, proving what is good

Heb. 4:16 – confidence in the day of judgment

Matt. 25:21, 23 – we hear the words of Jesus, “Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

vs.29

All of this is done with reverence and godly fear because God is a consuming fire.

When God is speaking to us through His Son Jesus Christ can you truly hear Him?

It will show by your obedience.

CF