Whose voice will you listen to?
That’s the question I asked myself when I read Genesis 16 this morning and the story of Abram and Sarai. Promised a son years before, Sarai was still childless. For the most part Abram’s faith had not wavered.
Until now. The Scripture is explicit in verse 1: “Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar.” If you are reading this for the first time your ears ought to perk up. Something is about to happen with the word “but.” It does. Sarai makes the point about God’s promise of a child and then…”Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” Not a good suggestion, Sarai!!
Now, we can’t put all the blame on Sarai. Abram could have said, “Nope. That is not God’s plan.” Instead, the end of the verse says, “And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal.” (NLT) The ESV puts it another way: “Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.” Hagar gets pregnant. Ishmael, who will become the father of the Arab nation, is born. A few years later, Sarai gets pregnant and has Isaac, who will become the father of the Jewish nation. And well…we all know how that has turned out.
Nothing good-NOTHING GOOD-comes out of listening to the voice of man over the voice of God. The voice of man clamors for attention and against the voice of God. “Do this.” “Do that.” “Choose this.” “Choose that.” “Did God really say?” We are constantly inundated with the voice of man suggesting we rebel against or negate the voice of God.
As we can see with Abram and Sarai, nothing good happens. The voice of God says, “Choose today whom you will serve.” I want to hear God’s voice loud and clear (not audibly), but in my heart and mind so clearly there is no doubt.
And you?
I want to hear His voice, too, Bill. God’s will and way are always the best. We need to simply trust and obey.
Blessings!
I do too Martha. I know, for sure, His will and way are best
There are times where I would love to hear the audible voice of God… The question I ask myself is could I handle it. I have pondered if the parable of the talents can be linked to how God communicates. God has provided His written word to us. God has provided His Spirit to live inside those of us who believe. If we are not faithful to obey what is written or we are not listening to the gentle (and sometimes not so gentle) nudging of the Holy Spirit…There may be times where God knocks us off our horse (Saul) and audibly speaks, but I suspect those times are rare. We have more than what we need to know God’s will and most of our should I or shouldn’t I can likely be discerned simply by knowing God’s word. If we are not faithful with the what He has already given us… should I expect more?
However, I think that also needs to be balanced with God’s unconditional and everlasting love for us… I am certain God does not withhold audible communication out of spite. Perhaps like our own adult children, sometimes we have to give them the freedom to make mistakes so they will learn from those mistakes. Sometimes as a parent it is best not to say anything… Either before or after… I.e. no “I told you so”
Good point Ryan! I won’t lie and say I haven’t wanted to hear God’s voice. There have been times I would have given just about anything to hear Him speak audibly. Then again, like you, I wonder if I could handle it. My guess? No, especially if it is not what I want to hear. But you also make a good point that we do “hear” God’s voice through His Word.
Like Ryan, there have been times when I needed to make an important decision and I have wished God would speak to me in an audible voice. Discerning His will in those times can be difficult. But when it comes to sin, God makes it very clear through His Word and His Spirit. Excellent post, Bill!
There seems to be a consensus about hearing and making an important decision. 🙂 When it comes to right and wrong it should be crystal clear, but sadly, it isn’t. OR we are so boneheaded that we decide to do it our way anyway. I agree with you Pam. When it comes to sin, God makes it very clear. Thanks for the kind words.
Living in the culture of yelling back and forth, blame pointing, people’s opinions, oh how I yearn for the quiet peaceful voice of Our Lord. I too want to serve only My Father, and have His voice move my heart and thoughts to align with His. I want the truth of His word, to be written on my heart so that God’s views are what I always go to for the absolute truth.
I’m with you Gail. You sum it up well with the way our culture is and then longing to hear God’s peaceful voice. May your tribe increase.