Hearing God's Word

The biblical word hearing does not mean hearing with your

phycical ears only. Allthough , it is an important part of hearing Gods Word. The

concept, which is involved includes much more than just physical hearing. That is

already evident from the meaning of the original Hebrew Word in the Bible.

Most of the time the Hebrew word SHAMA is used. According to Hebrew scholars,

that word SHAMA implies much more than just physical hearing.

First of all it implies hearing with intelligent understanding

and an obedient heart. This with a willingnes to tell, publish, call together

when we discern what God is saying .

Reading this explanation made me realize how much we fall short on this, most

of the time when we hear/read Gods Word . Do we lack a spiritual ear most of

the time ?

How does God voice comes to us ?

Primarly through the Bible. Either by hearing some one reading it to us, or

reading it ourselves. The Bible itself speaks more often about hearing,

because in ancient time not many people could read. but today we have the

privilege that most of us can read.

In the old days, the priest had to read the word to the congregation in order

for them the hear Gods Word .

Since we have this privelege to be literate, we should use it

to the utmost.

Because it is my opinion that it enhances the chance that we really " SHAMA

" the Word.

And it eliminates the chance that there is some human distortion through

the person who reads it to you .

Besides the Bible, there are two more ways the Lords voice can be

heard by His people directly and personally. Through His still, small Voice

and through visions and dreams. His still , small voice can be heard some

times when our spiritual ear is inclined and the vision and dreams are promised

to us. Specially in these last days in which we live. [Joel 2-28].

To hear His still, small voice, it is needed that we are filled

with the Holy Spirit and are inclining our "pricked up" ears. Vision and

dreams usually occur when we are asleep and our intelligence does not interfere

with the Lords doings.

From the bible we can tell that God some times even speaks to heathens, but

most of the time you have to be a believer in order to perceive His Voice.

He choose Moses, from all the Israelites, to speak to directly,

the people were sore afraid to hear God speak directly. Do you want to hear the

Lord directly and personally? Or are you afraid also ?. He wants to

communicate with you but His main way is through the Bible. If you think that you heard

a personal word from Him , make sure it is in line with His word. If it is

not in line with His written Word, it is not from Him but from the flesh or the

Evil One.

His Word tell us that Jesus is the Living Word and that He

alone will bring true live. Let us therefore dilegently SHAMA His Word and Live !

Amen !

Johannes G. Weiss