“For as the sash clings to the waist of a man, so I have caused the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to Me, says the Lord, that they may become My people, for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they would not hear.” Jeremiah 13:11
How did God cause the Israelites to cling to Him? This started with the everlasting covenant God made with Abraham. God told Abraham that he would have many descendants like the innumerable stars in the sky and they would be His chosen people.
The Israelites were the “set apart” people of God destined to be filled with the renown, praise, and glory of God. They would ultimately fail God time and again because they refused to listen to Him.
God delivered the Israelites out of forty years of slavery and set them free. They personally witnessed the power and majesty of God.
God spoke to the Israelites on Mount Sinai. He said if you will obey My voice and keep My covenant you will be a special treasure to Me above all the people for all the land is mine.
God kept His word. He eventually transformed a small Jewish tribe into a powerful nation.
The downfall of Israel took place because the people did not listen to the voice of God. They were defiant to the ways of God. Israel was destroyed and the people were scattered around the world.
The fundamental principle of God is you must listen to His voice and be compliant (or submissive) to His instructions. This is where we fail God and then have to live with the consequences of our disobedience.
It is vital for a Christ follower to listen to the voice of God. He desires to fill you with His thoughts and guide you into His perfect will. You cannot be obedient to Jesus if you do not listen to His voice.
Jesus convicts you of sin.
Jesus shows you the areas of your life where you are not walking by faith.
Jesus teaches you His values and how to live them out in your life.
Jesus provides you with spiritual wisdom to overcome the challenges of life and to protect your pathway.
Jesus sends you on missionary endeavors to do His work.
Jesus wants you to be successful in your marriage, work, and relationships with others. Listen for the counsel of God; it defies human logic.
Salvation is living moment by moment with Christ. This is impossible to do if you are not living in oneness with Christ anchored to the Holy Spirit and open to His voice.
Salvation does not relate to time. It is living out the life of Jesus one day at a time. And, this cannot happen if you are not listening to Him.
Hal Hollister Ministry 