In the four Gospels in the New Testament, Jesus uses the term "ears to hear" at least seven times. We read in 2 Kings 17 & 18, that Israel and Judah persisted in doing things "against the Lord their God that were not right" (2 Kings 17:9). In these two chapters we are told that God's people "would not hear"--they would not be attentive to what God had commanded them. Israel and Judah insisted on worshiping other gods in addition to the one true God. Chapter 17:32, says, "They feared the Lord, yet served their own gods". God continued to admonish them to turn from their evil ways and keep His commandments. "Nevertheless they would not hear, but stiffened their necks, like the necks of their fathers, who did not believe in the Lord their God" (17:14).
Refusing to listen to God stems from unbelief. This would be an appropriate time to ask ourselves whether we really believe God. We probably want to immediately answer, "Yes, I do", however, do my ears really hear what God says? If not, I may also be guilty of idolatry just as Israel and Judah were. We are currently involved in a study at Mt. Celo Church on The Truth About the New Age by Dr. David Jeremiah. I find it very interesting that those today who veer away from the Bible and the one true God often follow the same pattern the Israelites followed---calling themselves God's people while adopting pagan and ungodly practices. (We saw King Ahaz in chapter 16, bringing "the bronze altar which was before the Lord" and setting it up with an altar patterned after one he saw in Damascus.)
Jeroboam set a pace for evil in Israel that they could not/would not break out of for years to come. Finally, Hezekiah comes on the scene and removes and breaks down the high places, sacred pillars, and wooden images. He broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made--the Israelites were burning incense to it and had even named it (2 Kings 18:4). Hezekiah is recorded in Bible history as trusting in the Lord God of Israel, "so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him. For he held fast to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments. The Lord was with him; he prospered wherever he went. And he rebelled against the King of Assyria and did not serve him"(2 Kings 18:5-7)!
Lord, help our UNBELIEF! Help us HEAR You--because we believe You are the one true God. Help us TRUST You--because we believe You are the one true God. Help us HOLD FAST to You--because we believe You are the one true God. Help us NOT DEPART from following You--because we believe You are the one true God! If God is God, then serve Him, hear Him! There is no reason to "add" other gods--there is no other God! Father, "remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old, the tribe of Your inheritance, which You have redeemed--this Mount Zion where You have dwelt.. .The enemy has damaged everything in the sanctuary, Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place; they set up their banners for signs. .they have set fire to Your sanctuary. . .they said in their hearts, 'Let us destroy them altogether.' They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land" (Psalm 74). I am responsible to God for whether I listen to Him or take part in ungodly practices that destroy my relationship with Him!
Thanks be to God we have His Word and He has blessed us with the Holy Spirit which will lead us into all Truth! When we know the one true God, it makes no sense whatsoever to turn to "gods" of wood and stone. We need to examine our belief in God and consider to what extent we listen to Him--the one true God!
No comments:
Post a Comment