THE CENTRALITY OF THE WORD OF GOD Thus far in this series of devotions, the situation I have described has mandated an economy of faith – a superior and divinely- appointed means of profitable realization. In fact, "without faith it is impossible" to please God (Heb. 11:6). Faith speaks of persuasion, conviction, and confident perception. Tomorrow:
"I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for THOU HAST MAGNIFIED THY WORD ABOVE ALL THY NAME." (Psa 138:2) ". . . for You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name!" (Amplified Bible)
Devotion 12 of 30
Faith is not a miracle; it is not an intrusion of the Divine will upon an impotent human spirit. Faith involves the belief of Divine testimony or "record" (I John 5:10). From the perspective of the new covenant, faith is also the "testimony of Jesus" (Rev. 12:17); the witness of Deity concerning things alien to the blighted and corrupted capacities of nature. This testimony is provided in an intelligent format, and is addressed to the understanding. It conveys the awareness of otherwise imperceptible reality.
The things faith embraces are brought within the grasp of the human spirit by the word of God. The means of appropriating that reality is "hearing." "So then faith comes by hearing . . ." (Rom. 10:17), declares the King's word! This is an inward hearing – one within man's spirit, and is called "the hearing of faith" (Gal. 3:2,5). There is an inseparable link between true faith and the hearing of which we speak. This hearing involves more than a mere awareness of activity. It is joined to desire, willingness, and intention. Those who do not receive and act upon what they hear do not possess the "hearing of faith." The mere "hearing of the ear" (Job 42:5) is not enough!
FAITH AND HEARING
In the kingdom of God, one cannot believe until he has heard. ". . . how shall they believe on Him of whom they have not heard?" (Rom. 10:14). No word, no hearing! No hearing, no faith! The mere witness of God's overt working will not produce the required conviction of kingdom realities that is essential for salvation. Not even a miracle will of itself create such an awareness. The personal witness of the events surrounding the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, for example did not foster faith in the soldiers (Matt. 28:2-4).
Faith comes by hearing, not by seeing – faith comes by hearing, not by feeling – faith comes by hearing, not by intuitive inclinations – faith comes by hearing, not by mere intellectual probings!
Hearing is superior to seeing. Hearing is above and transcendent to seeing. "Hear and your soul shall live" cries the Father Himself (Isa. 55:3). The Lord Jesus confirmed that this promise spans both covenants (John 5:25). Little wonder that the apostolic doctrine demands that every man "be swift to hear" (James 1:19). Hearing is integral to spiritual life. Hearing is associated with faith – saving faith. While we are in the body, there is infinitely more to be heard than there is to be seen. Prior to Christ's death and resurrection, He pronounced a blessing on the eyes of those who saw Him, for He was bringing what the prophets had promised (Matt 13;16). However, since Jesus has been seated at the right hand of God, the blessing is pronounced upon those who "hear," not those who "see" (Matt. 3:16; John 20:29; Rev. 1:3).
When it comes to doing the will of God – and that is certainly an essential element in God's kingdom – it is hearing that profitably precedes doing. ". . . whosoever HEARS these sayings of mine, and does them . . ." (Matt. 7:24). Our Lord Jesus still admonishes, ". . . take heed HOW ye HEAR. . ." (Luke 8:18). "Take heed WHAT ye HEAR . . ." (Mark 4:24). The clarion voice of King Jesus is still heard through His mighty word: "He that has ears to HEAR, let him HEAR" (Matt. 11:15; 13:9,43; Luke 8:8). Why? Because "hearing" is the appointed means through which we obtain faith, through which we are saved.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the gift of ears to hear.