Diligently hearken on God
Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
The Israelites had just experienced a miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. They witnessed God's mighty hand part the Red Sea and lead them to safety. Despite these miracles, their journey was not easy. They faced trials that tested their faith and obedience.
In this moment, God speaks to them, emphasizing the importance of listening carefully, or diligently hearkening, to His voice. The Hebrew word for "listen carefully" is "shama," which implies a deep, attentive listening that leads to action. It's not just about hearing words; it's about internalizing and living them out.
Listening carefully to God means giving Him our full attention. In our busy lives, it is easy to get distracted by the noise around us. But God calls us to quiet our hearts and minds, to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). We must make time for prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking His presence.
Obedience is the natural outcome of listening to God. When we understand His will through His word, we are called to act upon it. James 1:22 reminds us, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Our faith is demonstrated through our actions.
Moreover, God's commands are not burdensome; they are life-giving. Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love me, keep my commands." Our obedience is an expression of our love for God. By paying attention to His commands, we align ourselves with His perfect will and experience the fullness of His blessings.
Also, consistency in our walk with God is crucial. It is not enough to obey occasionally; we must strive to live according to His decrees at all times. This requires discipline and a heart devoted to God. Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Let us make God's word the foundation of our lives.
In the latter part of Exodus 15:26, God promises that if the Israelites obey Him, He will protect them from the diseases that afflicted the Egyptians. This promise reveals God's heart as a healer and protector. When we diligently hearken to God, we position ourselves to receive His healing and wholeness.
In today's world, this promise extends beyond physical health. It encompasses emotional, mental, and spiritual healing. God desires to restore every aspect of our lives. When we walk in obedience, we experience His peace, joy, and restoration.
How can we diligently hearken to God in our daily lives?
1. Prioritize Time with God:
Set aside dedicated time each day to read the Bible, pray, and listen to God's voice. Let this be a time of intimate communion with your Creator.
2. Live Out His Word:
Apply the teachings of Scripture to your life. Let God's principles guide your decisions, relationships, and actions. Be a doer of the word, not just a hearer.
3. Seek His Guidance:
In every situation, seek God's guidance through prayer. Trust that He will direct your steps and provide the wisdom you need.
4. Cultivate a Heart of Obedience:
Ask God to give you a heart that delights in obedience. Surrender your will to His, knowing that His plans for you are good.
In conclusion, it is when we diligently hearken to God, we will experience His blessings, protection, and healing. Let us commit ourselves to listening carefully, doing what is right, paying attention to His commands, and keeping all His decrees. In doing so, we honor God and align ourselves with His perfect will.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name have.
2. Lord, grant me the grace to continually obey your will ans hearken to your words in Jesus Christ name
3. Lord, grant me grace to trust in your faithfulness and walk in your obedience in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.