When We Hear His Voice
9-20-04

In the message "No Shortcuts" we saw the importance of remaining on God's path by obediently following His leading. There will always be temptations to take paths which appear to get us "ahead" - but God's ways are flawless and He calls us to follow Him with every step.

Jeremiah was appointed God's spokesman to call the people of Israel back to a relationship filled with true worship. But despite many pleas for the people to repent, their hearts remained cold and closed to God's wonderful truth; "They go from one sin to another; they do not acknowledge Me" (Jeremiah 9:3).

After many years of living in rebellious sin, the calling ceased and Israel was taken captive by the Babylonians; "'You have rejected Me,' declares the Lord. 'You keep on backsliding. So I will lay hands on you and destroy you; I can no longer show compassion'" (Jeremiah 15:6).

God dearly loves His children: "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). He sent His Son to die as a sacrifice for our sins and gave His Spirit to strengthen and guide us along His path. He continues to call, but constant rejection will cause our heart to harden and be subject to God's discipline.

A hardened heart has chosen to live separated from God. It can no longer hear God's call and cannot even recognize His truth. When this occurs, our Loving Father responds with great sorrow and allows the hardened heart to follow the path it desires; "Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts" (Romans 1:24). Dear Lord, do not allow us to follow our own path!

God calls us today through His Word. He calls us through those He has sent into the world to proclaim His truth. He even calls through messages such as this. Is there a tug on your heart to place your trust in the forgiveness offered through Jesus? Is there a desire for a deeper commitment - a greater worship - a life of greater holiness and purity? These desires, pulls, and tugs are all the call of God being made through His Spirit.

Hebrews 3:15
"Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion."

When we hear God's call, we must respond. He is calling us to Salvation through faith in Jesus; calling us to know Him better through His Word and prayer; calling us to serve others with love and nurture Godly relationships; and calling us to draw near through more intimate worship. His call is a wonderful confirmation of His love, but we must follow and not turn away. Today, let's answer His call and resolve to never again allow our heart to harden when we hear His voice.

Have A Great Day!