Hearing God

Hi there Glenn,

Jesus died on the Cross not just to forgive our sins, but ultimately to grant us eternal life (See John 3:16; 10:10). It is impossible to have eternal life without a personal relationship with God. Christ Jesus Himself said, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3).

Everlasting life is eternal communion with God. In a relationship, communication is essential. If communication breakdowns intimacy is forfeited. Some have a difficult time believing that God wants to be close to them. Yet, we must remember that in the Garden of Eden this was precisely the relationship enjoyed by the man and the woman. The Lord walked with Adam and Eve and spoke with them disclosing the deepest thoughts of His heart as well as His affection for them (Genesis 3:8-11).

In the New Testament, we are informed that Jesus came to “…seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Notice it does not say “those that are lost.” The Scripture is speaking of something impersonal that was lost [past tense]. What did Jesus come to restore that had been relinquished in the Garden when the man and woman sinned against God and His word? Intimacy with the Creator! This naturally includes hearing God’s voice, knowing His plans, and being aware of His will.

ADOPTED INTO GOD’S FAMILY

Jesus made it possible through His death and resurrection for us to be reconciled and adopted into the Family of God. “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:4-5, New Living Translation). As a result, we have been brought into a relationship of intimate communion with the Father and we are now privy to His personal affairs. Jesus said, “I shall not call you servants any longer, for a servant does not share his master’s confidence. No, I call you friends, now, because I have told you everything that I have heard from the Father.” (John 15:15, J.B. Phillips)

LIVE LIKE JESUS DID

Jesus was the quintessential prophet. The success of His ministry was simple: He shared with others only that which His Father had revealed to Him. “For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak” (John 12:49). The Father delighted to reveal the full counsel of His will to the Son when He walked the earth. Jesus was completely assured of this and never doubted it for a moment. “The Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does.” (John 5:20)

As the “firstborn among many brethren” (See Ro. 8:29), Christ set a precedent for us. We are to walk as He walked in the world. “…because as He is, so also are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). We must be completely convinced of the fact that our Father in Heaven delights to share all things with us too. Just prior to going to the Cross, Jesus drove this point home to His disciples. Listen to the profoundness of His words. “At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name…For the Father, Himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God” (John 16:23-27, New Living Translation).

Your Heavenly Father loves you. You are an heir of God and a joint-heir with Jesus. You are not a slave, but a child of the King. Your Father longs to be intimate with you and let you in on His secrets. “There’s a private place reserved for the lovers of God, where they sit near him and receive the revelation-secrets of his promises” (Psalm 25:14, TPT).

INTIMACY WITH THE FATHER

Beloved, hearing God’s voice is not an experience for the privileged few. It is the portion and inheritance that comes with your calling as His child. “…The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard” (Acts 22:14-15).

Revelation stems from relationship. Prophecy proceeds from a life of intimacy. Make every effort to cultivate your relationship with your Father in Heaven. As you do, He will speak and you will gain precious knowledge from Him and will be empowered to share His counsel with others.

“The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away” (Isaiah 50:4-5, New Living Translation).

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