Mark 4:21-25 – “Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?  22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.  23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.  25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”  NKJV

My primary focus will be on verses 23-24 in this passage, but all of it is germane, as is all of the Scripture.  Throughout the Bible, the Old and New Testaments emphasize the importance of Hearing God!

In biblical history, we find numerous records where earthly kings would not make any move without first “hearing” a word from God through the prophets and seers.  In the New Testament, we are repeatedly reminded directly, by implication and suggestion, that Hearing God is vital for work, walk, and warfare in the believer’s life. 

Yet, the overwhelming majority of believers in our generation do not hear or know how to hear and often do not know that you can hear God now!  I am convinced the devil loves this and laughs at the failure of the church to emphasize Hearing God!

In 1 John 1:3, the apostle writes, “What we (apostles) have SEEN and HEARD we proclaim to you… THAT you… May have fellowship (koinonia = community) with us; and indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”  [Emphasis mine].

A straightforward but essential question must be, “How can you have FELLOWSHIP with someone who does not communicate?”  That is a virtual impossibility.  The concept of Fellowship between God and man is woven intricately throughout the pages of the New Testament and is a vital part of the message of grace.  In Revelation 3:20, we find Jesus standing at the door and knocking, wanting to come in and have fellowship with us.  In John 14:23, we read that Jesus desires to come to us and make His home with us.

The Father’s heart, both natural and spiritual, cries out for Fellowship with His children.  He (God) wants to commune with and communicate with us in a true fellowship of love and for us to enjoy each other.  Hebrews 11:6 declares that “without faith (abiding trust), we cannot please (gratify completely) God.”  That is Fellowship. 

In Revelation 4:11, we find God’s declaration, “You created all things (including man), and for Your pleasure they were created.”  Romans 10:17 declares, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”  That is communication and communing, which means Fellowship.  We know that faith, an essential element in pleasing God, comes by Hearing God Speak

Therefore, if I cannot or do not Hear God, I cannot have faith developed in my heart to that level and, therefore, cannot please God.  If I do not, please God, that will diminish the prospects of fellowship with Him.  We read in 1 Corinthians 1:9, “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord.”  Therefore, if we cannot Hear God, we cannot fully fulfill our call from God.  That condition and situation leave us empty, unfulfilled, and often frustrated, producing the absence of peace and victory.

THE VITAL QUESTION:  “Does God Still Talk to Man Today?”  Some contend that God has said all He is going to say through the Scriptures.  Hear me carefully, please.  God will not write a new Bible, but He is a Speaking GOD and Communicates with us even today.  I am not suggesting that we all throw away our Bibles and run around with a “Thus saith the Lord.”  NO! 

I believe that anything God communicates to us today will fit squarely and perfectly in harmony with what He Has Said in the Bible.  Also, every word must be tested.  1 Corinthians 14:29 gives a guide that prophetic utterances are to be judged by the other prophets and, by consent, the Word of God.  Likewise, Matthew 18:16, a reference to Deuteronomy 19:15, teaches that it takes “two or three witnesses” to establish a word.

Hearing God is vital, but as in most things, caution must be exercised because of the deadliness of presumption. There must be order and a willingness to test and have our words tested through the Bible, God’s elders, and prophets.  I believe that we can Hear God Today and that God is still Speaking to His people in 2024 or wants to speak to us!

I must pause here and pick up next time as we continue to consider this Vital Essential of Hearing God in today’s world.  

God bless you as you embark on today’s beautiful and fruitful journey in Him!