"He who has ears, let him give ear."
(Matthew 13:9)
At different points in the christian journey, we will encounter circumstances that will try to disrupt our faith, and with which we will have to learn to deal with the light of the teachings of the Holy Bible. The secret of victory is obedience to God. In its most primitive origin the word obey means to hear, to listen under the influence of someone. In the Old and New Testaments, the word obey is seen being used in different gradations, from obedience in response to a call, to obedience in submission. Therefore, obeying God, according to the Holy Bible, is only possible by faith.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the sign that
the things not seen are true.”
(Hebrews 11:1)
Obeying the Word of God, in all aspects, is related to listening and being guided by the Spirit of God, following his command. It is the certainty of victory. Jesus, in different moments of the earthly journey, heard the voice of God audibly and publicly, encouraging him to continue. The baptism of Jesus (Luke 3:21-22), the transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36) and the glorification of Jesus (John 12:20-36) are biblical passages that record this, confirming that God (Father) is present in all moments of the Son's life, to guide and strengthen him.
“The Holy Spirit came down in the form of a dove, and a voice came from heaven, saying, You are my dearly loved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
(Luke 3:22)
“And there was a voice from the cloud saying, This is my Son,
the man of my selection; give ear to him.”
(Luke 9:35)
“Father, give glory to your name. Then there came a voice out of heaven, saying, I have given it glory, and I will give it glory again.”
(John 12:28)
Today, it is no different from Jesus' time. Whatever your view of the problem, know that obeying remains listening, under the authority of the speaker. So, in these times of so many voices, the best thing you have to do is to learn to hear the voice of God, and to obey. Certainly, this attitude will make a big difference in your life.
We are the righteousness of God, in Christ.
Manoel Lúcio da Silva Neto is master in Production Engineering (Media and Knowledge), and author of the book Christology at your Reach.