Matthew 17
If you asked most Christians the question, “Do you listen to what God is telling you?” they would probably answer, “Yes, I always listen to God.” Truth is many who profess a faith in God do not really listen or try to understand what God is saying to them.
Jesus, who is God had the same problem with His disciples. Even though they spent almost three years with Him they still didn't seem to understand what He was telling them.
This partially explains God's declarations to Peter, James and John in Matthew 17 after Jesus, Moses and Elijah are transfigured, God declares, “This is my Son in whom I am well pleased...Listen to Him,”
Who is God talking to? The disciples, Peter, James and John of course and the message is quite clear.
Up until now you (the disciples) haven't been listening to my Son when He tries to explain to you about His impending death and resurrection. All you have been doing is squabbling over what position you will have in the new kingdom. Now that you've seen the truth, listen to Him because you will be called upon to take his message to all of the world in His stead. You will be called on to suffer for His message. So start listening.
Who else was God talking to? All Christians down through the ages who hear the Word of God but do not really listen to His words. The disciples had a little bit of an out when it comes to not listening to Jesus. After all, no one before them, other than Adam and Eve had ever had the privilege of walking the earth with God.
Today Christians do not have an out when it comes to hearing the Word of God. There are countless printed versions of the Bible, as wells as ebook versions which can be freely downloaded. There is the Bible on CD, as well as MP3 for listening devices and the list goes on and on.
But God told the disciples as well as all Christians down through the ages to not only hear His words, or read His words, but to also to listen to His words. The time is now to not only hear God when He speaks but to also pay attention to what is being said in order to have a changed life.
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