I will be exalted in the earth!”
I love storms. I love the booms of thunder, reminiscent of Independence Day fireworks, that shake my house and the lightning flash that always takes me by surprise. Not so much when I was a child. But, somewhere along the line I became captivated by God’s power. My boys are also calmed during a storm when I say, “Listen to how powerful God is!” They are still a little afraid, but they are also impressed.
This morning during Bible study, I have the rare delight of sitting by my bedroom window as a storm comes in. The weather radar on the website tells me soon it will be on top of us.
I’ve been working my way through Hebrews, and this morning I came to the last half of Hebrews 12. Good stuff! Will you join me for a few moments in His Word? You can grab your own Bible or read it with me here:
Mountain Tour
Let’s go back. We find ourselves back at the foot of Sinai. I AM presents Himself to Israel. And all around us we hear Israelites, scared out of their wits, crying and begging for the trumpet sound and His words to stop. Terror of His might is only surpassed by their terror of His commandments. Even brave Moses was “exceedingly afraid and trembling” (21). Behold the power of I AM!
Let’s go forward. In verse 22 we zoom to another mountain – Mount Zion. We are situated in the realms of a new covenant, made possible because I AM came further down than the top of a mountain, to live among us. We read here about how the “God the judge of all” (23) provides “Jesus the Mediator” (24).
From the halls of heaven to Mount Sinai, to Mount Zion, to our very hearts. He is still speaking … are we really listening?
Satan and Self Don’t Want Me to Listen
I crave solitude. But I don’t always like quiet. Whenever I am presented with the rare gift of being at home alone, the first few moments I bask in the silence. But, soon I turn on music or find myself humming as I work. I’ve even been known to turn on the radio or TV just for “background” noise. I like to watch Netflix while I’m working on my menu plan, play the piano, listen to the radio in the van, talk to my Mom or a friend on the phone.
Satan would be thrilled if we are too busy – to ever listen to God.
Jesus died and rose again to have a relationship with us. How would we like a friend who always talks but never listens? I love to read my Bible, talk to God as soon as I wake up, talk to Him in the evening before bed, and those sweet moments alone with Him in the dead of night. But, I rarely take time to truly listen to God.
Why? Partly time constraints, and the reality of homeschooling two noisy boys. But, also I think I have to admit, I am afraid of what He is going to tell me. I’d rather listen to those who say what I want to hear. What feels good and fits my agenda. What sin is He going to uncover in my heart? What is He going to ask me to do? If I am willing, perfect Love, God Himself, will cast out every fear … replacing it with Himself.
Make An Appointment with God
It’s time to make an appointment. Otherwise, it may never come to pass. Get out your day timer or gaze up at your family wall calendar in the kitchen. Let’s schedule some time, 15-30 minutes, either this weekend or next week just to listen to I AM. Begin your time by reading His Word and asking Him to speak to you. Like Samuel, “Speak Lord, for your servant hears!” Then, let’s try to get into a habit of spending time every week, even 5-10 minutes daily, just to listen to Him. We will be changed by His presence and His power.
The soothing rain and booming thunder draw me in, grabbing my attention and feeding my senses as I sit here talking with you. Let’s let God’s powerful Self draw us in! God, in His graciousness, makes Himself accessible to us. While basking in the riches of His grace, let’s not forget Who He is … and that He wants our attention, our reverence, and our obedience.
Women on God's Mission 