They recognize God’s words when they hear them spoken through other people, because they have a certain ring and cadence that is linked with the heavenly realm.
Recognizing God’s Words
One time when Jesus spoke with a group of doubtful listeners, he said, “Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God” (John 8:47, NLT).
They didn’t embrace Jesus’ words because they didn’t recognize they were linked with God’s words.
Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me!”
“For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me!” (John 8:42-45, NLT)
God’s Character
God’s character stands in bold relief against the backdrop of the corrupt practices of humanity.
“There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family [community or nation]” (Proverbs 6:16-19, NLT).
Being able to hear and recognize God’s words and voice in Scripture and through others is a gift. It is not because we are smarter or more intelligent that we recognize truth. Rather, it is because we have asked for our thoughts to be reordered and renewed by the power of God’s Spirit!
“I will give you a new heart [mind], and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations” (Ezekiel 36:26-27, NLT).
Rich DuBose writes from Northern California.
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