Hearing God’s Voice through God’s Word

 

Often, we hear testimonies of how God spoke to someone through the Bible. But some of us may be wondering, “I have never had this experience. I have never felt that God was speaking to me when I read the scripture”. If this is the way you feel, do not be discouraged. There are a few clear principles in the Bible that help us overcome the problem and hear more clearly from God.

And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples. Mark 4:33-34

PRINCIPLE #1   Jesus speaks to us as much as we are able to hear

 Jesus is always ready to speak to us. So, it is our eagerness, earnestness and our willingness to hear and obey which determines how much we hear from Him. Nicodemus came to meet Jesus one night. Jesus spoke to him about being born again. But Nicodemus questioned Jesus saying “Can a man enter his mother’s womb to be born again?”. Nicodemus’ focus was on the earthly aspect and his mind and thinking were closed to the spiritual understanding behind the words of Jesus. But Jesus continued to explain it saying,

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  John 3:5-6

Jesus’ explanation pointed Nicodemus from the earthly view to the spiritual realm. That which is born from a woman’s womb is the physical body (i.e. the body of a person born as a baby). But that which is born of the Spirit (or renewed by the Holy Spirit) is the spirit of a man. Jesus pointed out to Nicodemus that this spiritual reviving of the spirit of man by the Holy Spirit was the key to entry into the Kingdom of God.

Furthermore, Jesus could only share a few things regarding the Kingdom of God as Nicodemus’ mind was closed to the kingdom truths and his pre-conceived notions, opinions and traditions stood in the way of him receiving what Jesus was sharing with him.

Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.  If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things.                        John3:10-12

Yes, seeking and understanding such insights is mandatory for us as disciples of Jesus to have the right perspective about the Kingdom of God and God’s will for our lives. Therefore, I encourage you today to introspect your heart and tell the LORD Jesus in prayer, “Lord, I am eager to hear from you. Please speak to me.” Have an earnest desire to hear and to obey what the Lord tells you. This obedience is the key to a continued communication with the Lord.

 The word of God is a double-edged sword. So, it tests the thoughts and attitudes of our heart and often the Lord’s word may prompt us toward correction. Therefore, when the word of God convicts us, let us be obedient to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Such an attitude of openness to learn and an earnest desire to seek His word will ensure that the good shepherd can speak with us to lead, guide, correct and protect us with His voice.

PRINCIPLE #2 Jesus explains everything when we spend time with him

 During His earthly ministry, Jesus always spoke through parables. They were simple real-life examples that everyone could understand. But each of these parables had deeper kingdom truths that were not obvious in plain sight. But they needed the discernment of the Holy Spirit to understand and to apply them so that they may yield fruit in our lives.

 This is the reason Jesus explained these parables to the disciples who asked Him for an explanation. These disciples followed Him. They had a deep desire to understand the deeper kingdom truths and spent time with Him asking Him to explain it to them.

But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. Mark 4:10

 As we see from the above verse, it was the disciples who initiated the inquiry. Jesus immediately explained everything to them. If you find something in the Bible to be difficult to understand or if you do not know how to apply it to your life context, take time to meditate on God’s word. Spend time prayerfully reading the passage and ask God to explain it to you. Say a simple prayer asking the Holy Spirit to explain the word to you. Remember, it is the Holy Spirit who is the author of the Bible.

All Scripture is God breathed.  2 Timothy 3:16

No prophesy of scripture has its origin in human will but holy men of God, spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.  2 Peter 1:21

In conclusion, if you seek to hear from the Lord, be willing to hear and obey. Spend time meditating on the word and asking the Lord to teach you the deeper truths so that it may produce fruit in you. May the Lord open your eyes to see wonderful things from His word. Amen.

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