‘And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.” – Genesis 32:28 (NKJV)
Are you really listening?
In the hymn “Master Speak! Thy Servant Heareth” by F.R. Havergal, listening is described as an act of setting ourselves in waiting with the confidence that we will hear a voice that brings cheer.
Thus, listening requires being engaged.
To know that we have heard, there must also be evidence of our response.
Let us ask God to help us to listen.
Listen to receive His instruction and more so to do as we are instructed. In Exodus 3, Moses decided to pay attention to a flame coming from the middle of a bush. He was observant; he noticed it was not an ordinary flame; it was not burning the bush. This strange event made him inquisitive; he drew closer, and there it was: his encounter.
God spoke to him, giving him an instruction that, when carried out, led to the freedom of God’s people from the hands of the Egyptians.
Are we really listening? What is our burning bush? Have we sought the engagement with God to hear His instruction? It’s not too late to listen.
Prayer
Father, today, there are so many burning bushes that require our attention. Oh Father, help us to listen to Thee, help us to enquire of Thee, to know and to do Your will. May we continue to proclaim and respond to Your Holy Word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Read: 1 Samuel 3:10; Isaiah 30:21
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 105:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21; 2 Corinthians 6:1-2; Isaiah 1; Isaiah 2