Ears, Ephods, and Emmanuel
"But David learned of Saul’s plan and told Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod and ask the Lord what he should do." 1 Samuel 23:9
One of the biggest questions or areas of uncertainty in the Christian life has to do with discerning the voice of God and knowing which direction we should take when we come to the many forks in our own life's road.
It is a timeless question.
In the Old Testament, priests and kings would ask for the ephod to be brought to them and they would inquire of God, wearing or using the ephod, and God would answer.
God would answer.
In the New Testament, we find no reference to the ephod. But, why?
Matthew 1:23 tells us, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel” (which being interpreted is, “God with us”).
Who needs an ephod when you have the living Christ?
Then, once Emmanuel ascended into Heaven, we read Jesus' words in John 14:16-17, "And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you."
In John 14:26, Jesus goes on to say, "But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you."
True to His Word, we read how Peter was reminded of Jesus' teaching. "As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. Then I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit’" (Acts 11:15-16).
As followers of Christ, the more we read and study His Word, the more we are reminded of, taught by, and led by the Holy Spirit, as well--just like Peter. But, if we aren't listening--in every aspect of our lives--it will be difficult to hear His direction. Sin that is unconfessed and unrepented will separate us from God and become the fluff that clogs our ears, blocking out His voice in our lives.
In the words of the great theologian, Winnie-the-Pooh, "If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear."
I'm glad God is very patient with us. Aren't you?
Goodnight, Runners.
It is a timeless question.
In the Old Testament, priests and kings would ask for the ephod to be brought to them and they would inquire of God, wearing or using the ephod, and God would answer.
God would answer.
In the New Testament, we find no reference to the ephod. But, why?
Matthew 1:23 tells us, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel” (which being interpreted is, “God with us”).
Who needs an ephod when you have the living Christ?
Then, once Emmanuel ascended into Heaven, we read Jesus' words in John 14:16-17, "And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you."
In John 14:26, Jesus goes on to say, "But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you."
True to His Word, we read how Peter was reminded of Jesus' teaching. "As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. Then I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit’" (Acts 11:15-16).
As followers of Christ, the more we read and study His Word, the more we are reminded of, taught by, and led by the Holy Spirit, as well--just like Peter. But, if we aren't listening--in every aspect of our lives--it will be difficult to hear His direction. Sin that is unconfessed and unrepented will separate us from God and become the fluff that clogs our ears, blocking out His voice in our lives.
In the words of the great theologian, Winnie-the-Pooh, "If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear."
I'm glad God is very patient with us. Aren't you?
Goodnight, Runners.
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