PODCAST
Beyond Pretending
October 24th, 2012
James 1:19-27
The Hebrew word translated “hear” is the same word also translated “obey.” In Hebrew thought to hear God is to obey. If you did not obey the voice of the Lord, it must have been because you did not hear him. The English language recognizes a difference between hearing clear instruction and acting upon it.
As pastor of the Jerusalem church, James must have come to realize that people don’t always obey the commands of God that they clearly hear. Something rooted in the sinful nature tends to distrust God. Like Adam and Eve, we may know what God has forbidden but chose to take the risk and disobey. Yet God who loves us commands and guides for our good and well-being. Failure to obey him always results in some form of loss to us.
It is wonderful to know that God has a transforming touch of grace that cleanses our innate distrust and enables us to delight in doing his will.
October 24th, 2012 at 8:14 am
Many seem to hear with their outer ear, but, the “hammer” in their spiritual ear doesn’t hit the iron on the “anvil.” Thus, they can’t shoe the horse, harness, and place their feet in any “stirrups” long enough to ride.
The hammer either misses the “iron” or it;s not on the anvil.