Still Talking
I don’t know why it continues to amaze me but it does. I can read the same scripture again and again and then one day I see something there that I never have before. Hebrews 4:12 says it well. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
I was reading the account of Jesus, Peter, John and James at the transfiguration of Christ. It’s found in Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9. Each account is a little different. It’s a lot like you and I telling of something we saw. Even though we were at the same place at the same time we saw it differently because we relate to life differently. But there are some similarities to our story. When we read the stories of the transfiguration the similarities are the three disciples were there. Jesus was there. Elijah and Moses were there. And Peter was talking. In Mark it says that the disciples were so frightened, Peter didn’t know what to say. Luke 9 says he didn’t know what he was saying. Poor Peter. No matter what account you read he was talking. Knowing other stories of Peter that shouldn’t have surprised me but what caught my eye in the account in Matthew it says, “While he was still speaking, . . .”.
This is where Hebrews 4:12 comes into play. I’m not excited when the word of God judges the thoughts and attitudes of my heart. When I read that Peter was still talking it brought to mind how often I’m found “still speaking” when God is wanting to get my attention. When Peter was yakking God said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” Right now, writing this, I’m yakking in my head, “Now where do I go with this? What will make the most sense to those who are reading this? Okay, that doesn’t make sense. Just delete it”. You get the picture. God told Peter, John and James to listen to Jesus. That’s what I need to do right now, to quit yakking and listen to Christ.
There are so many opportunities to listen to Christ. You and I have the privilege and freedom to read the Bible, go to church, join and participate in small groups for Bible study and fellowship. Our most precious privilege is prayer. God promises to respond to our prayers but we need to listen. For me that’s hard because I have trouble quieting down. I have trouble even listening to you without getting distracted when we’re discussing life. I need to remember Peter was still speaking when God wanted to instill an important fact into his life. How many times have I missed what God was saying because I couldn't keep my mouth shut? I want to be a listener instead of a yakker. I want to have ears that will hear what Christ is trying to tell me. It’s not going to be easy. Habits are hard to break. Remind me. Join me in becoming a better listener!
I was reading the account of Jesus, Peter, John and James at the transfiguration of Christ. It’s found in Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9. Each account is a little different. It’s a lot like you and I telling of something we saw. Even though we were at the same place at the same time we saw it differently because we relate to life differently. But there are some similarities to our story. When we read the stories of the transfiguration the similarities are the three disciples were there. Jesus was there. Elijah and Moses were there. And Peter was talking. In Mark it says that the disciples were so frightened, Peter didn’t know what to say. Luke 9 says he didn’t know what he was saying. Poor Peter. No matter what account you read he was talking. Knowing other stories of Peter that shouldn’t have surprised me but what caught my eye in the account in Matthew it says, “While he was still speaking, . . .”.
This is where Hebrews 4:12 comes into play. I’m not excited when the word of God judges the thoughts and attitudes of my heart. When I read that Peter was still talking it brought to mind how often I’m found “still speaking” when God is wanting to get my attention. When Peter was yakking God said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” Right now, writing this, I’m yakking in my head, “Now where do I go with this? What will make the most sense to those who are reading this? Okay, that doesn’t make sense. Just delete it”. You get the picture. God told Peter, John and James to listen to Jesus. That’s what I need to do right now, to quit yakking and listen to Christ.
There are so many opportunities to listen to Christ. You and I have the privilege and freedom to read the Bible, go to church, join and participate in small groups for Bible study and fellowship. Our most precious privilege is prayer. God promises to respond to our prayers but we need to listen. For me that’s hard because I have trouble quieting down. I have trouble even listening to you without getting distracted when we’re discussing life. I need to remember Peter was still speaking when God wanted to instill an important fact into his life. How many times have I missed what God was saying because I couldn't keep my mouth shut? I want to be a listener instead of a yakker. I want to have ears that will hear what Christ is trying to tell me. It’s not going to be easy. Habits are hard to break. Remind me. Join me in becoming a better listener!
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