Hearing and Listening: Evil and Suffering

Evil and Suffering are universal. This means no one is immune.

You may have heard:
"God whispers to us in our "good times". He SHOUTS at us in our afflictions or sufferings."

I believe what really happens is that in our time of suffering, we are more attentive to the voice of God.

I have been meditating on John chapter 10 from the Bible. Here we learn about a Shepherd and His flock. I want to share about the use of two words from this chapter. One word is "hear" or sometimes translated "listen". The other word is "know". Please listen to the entire chapter.
Here are some verses that talk about "hear" or "listen".
The original Greek language uses a word for hear, "akouo" which can include the idea of the following: considering what has been said, understanding, perceiving the sense of what has been said, comprehending, learning.
The Amplified Bible [quoted below] connects the "hearing" with "obedience" or "heeding".

"Hearing" is NOT always the same as "Listening".
A common complaint among married women is that her husband does not "hear" her. She means he does not understand her message. He hears the words but not the message.

John 10 Amplified Version
3The watchman opens the door for this man, and the sheep listen to his voice and heed it; and he calls his own sheep by name and brings (leads) them out.
4When he has brought his own sheep outside, he walks on before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.
5They will never [on any account] follow a stranger, but will run away from him because they do not know the voice of strangers or recognize their call.
8All others who came [as such] before Me are thieves and robbers, but the [true] sheep did not listen to and obey them.
16And I have other sheep [beside these] that are not of this fold. I must bring and impel those also; and they will listen to My voice and heed My call, and so there will be [they will become] one flock under one Shepherd.
27The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.

Let's look at verse 4 from the New King James Version
4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

What does it mean to "know" his voice?

The Greek word is "eidon" which can mean: to see with the mind's eye, signifies a clear and purely mental perception; to perceive, notice, discern, discover; to see about something [to ascertain what must be done about it]; to have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to; to turn the eyes, the mind, the attention to anything.
We see this means much more than to just recognize the voice, such as one recognizes the voice of a close friend who calls on the phone.
The sheep expects to receive personal help and guidance in life from "knowing" the voice of the Shepherd.
So why did Jesus talk about Sheep and a Shepherd? Here is the main message.
John 10: 22-30 Amplified
22After this the Feast of Dedication [of the reconsecration of the temple] was taking place at Jerusalem. It was winter,
23And Jesus was walking in Solomon's Porch in the temple area.
24So the Jews surrounded Him and began asking Him, How long are You going to keep us in doubt and suspense? If You are really the Christ (the Messiah), tell us so plainly and openly.
25Jesus answered them, I have told you so, yet you do not believe Me [you do not trust Me and rely on Me]. The very works that I do by the power of My Father and in My Father's name bear witness concerning Me [they are My credentials and evidence in support of Me].
26But you do not believe and trust and rely on Me because you do not belong to My fold [you are no sheep of Mine].
27The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.
28And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand.
29My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all [else]; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father's hand.
30I and the Father are One.

So why talk about a Shepherd, knowing and listening to His voice?
What does this have to do with evil and suffering?
Suffering will be served on each of our plates. We will all eat of it. But for those who have a personal relationship with the Shepherd, they will "hear" and "know" many truths from the Shepherd's heart .. if they have the proper attitude toward personal suffering. The Shepherd said He came to give life and life abundant. John 10:10 NASB: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
Can a person have that "abundant life" in the MIDST of suffering? Absolutely! Yes!
The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV:
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I have not personally suffered for the cause of Christ. But I have a deeper identification with my brothers and sisters who are suffering persecutions for the NAME. My prayer life is experiencing "life abundant".
I am one of His Sheep. I know His voice and follow Him. No one or thing or life circumstance can ever separate me from His love or snatch me from His hand.
I KNOW that my sins are forgiven and paid for in full. He chose me and gave me grace to trust in the all sufficient work of Jesus, Messiah, in his life, death as my substitute on the cross and resurrection from the dead. No matter the amount or length of my suffering, it lasts only as long as this life on earth. One day I will be resurrected with a new body which will never know suffering of any kind.
I bow in humble praise and adoration before My King, My Sovereign Lord and High Priest who makes intercession for me and gives me comfort in my sufferings. His ways are always goodness.

The Moment of Truth: Breakfast with Jesus

I want to thank all of you who have been praying for my health. I have learned much from the Lord during this time!
Several months ago I read a book by Dr. Paul Brand, a pioneer in the treatment and rehabilitation of leprosy patients of the last century. The title is "He Satisfies My Soul". Chapter 18 entitled "The Lord's Breakfast" focuses on the story of Peter and some other disciples going fishing one night.. after the resurrection of Jesus and His appearance to the disciples in His scarred, resurrected Body. John 20:21 records the new commission to His followers: "As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you." NIV.
So why did Peter go fishing? The author reflects that Peter must have been unclear on why Jesus did NOT set the Jewish people free from the rule of the cruel Romans. After all, this was the popular notion of what the Jewish Messiah was supposed to do when He came. Instead, Jesus died as a common criminal and brought disgrace and shame on His followers. Jesus even said those incredible words from the cross shortly before He died: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." see Luke 23:34. What kind of a King would speak such words of "weakness"?
The disciples had been arguing about who was the greatest at the Last Passover Supper.. dreaming of who would have which position in the New Kingdom of God on earth. But of course Jesus came to bring first an internal kingdom--one which requires a "new heart".
Jesus was returning to Heaven. There would be no coup against the Roman rule, no release from poverty, persecution, rejection and even possible death .. did Peter really WANT to continue to follow this kind of "leader"?
So Dr. Brand comments that perhaps Peter just needed some "time to think things through". What did "following Jesus" really mean?

This fishing trip was Peter's "MOMENT OF TRUTH". For three years Peter had committed his whole life to following Jesus. Was He willing to go forward with this commitment? Or should he go back to the old life and fish?

As you read the story in John chapter 20-21, you will notice that the men did not catch a single fish. Someone on the shore called to them and asked if they had caught any fish. They said "No", then this stranger said: Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some [fish]. As He had said, the net was so full, it was breaking! A record catch! Suddenly John the Apostle, recognized the Stranger as Jesus. It is the Lord! Impulsive Peter swam to shore, the others followed in the boat with the fish. On shore they noticed that there was a fire, some fish and some bread.. breakfast in the making! Must have looked good to tired, hungry fishermen. Jesus invited them to bring some of the 153 fish and join Him for breakfast.

After eating, Jesus then asks Peter a very strange question: "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" John 21:15 NIV. Ever wonder what the "more than these" refers to? The author makes 3 suggestions. 1. Peter was the one who had boasted that even if ALL OTHERS deserted Jesus, Peter would be faithful. Of course, we know Peter denied even knowing Jesus 3 times and even cursed His Name. So more than the other disciples loved Jesus? Hmmm.. 2. More than Peter's old friends. Peter was seemingly trying to go back to his old lifestyle. 3. The big catch of fish was worth a substantial amount of money. Was Peter willing to abandon a lucrative business venture and choose a life of poverty, living as a fugitive, hand-to-mouth, depending wholly on the provision of God?
We know from the Book of Acts that Peter was changed by this Breakfast with Jesus. He no longer boasted about his love for the Lord or his courage or how he was better than anyone else. He received the commission from Jesus to "feed My sheep", "take care of My lambs". He knew following Jesus would require the power from God through the Holy Spirit which Jesus promised would come to indwell and empower His followers after He returned to heaven. Those things which may have crept into Peter's life that were competing loyalties to complete obedience and loyalty to Christ Jesus were exposed and removed from Peter's life. Peter's response would be "Yes, Lord". In fact to say "Lord" and to say NO at the same time is a spiritual oxymoron.
So at this Breakfast with Jesus, first loyalties were taken care of, priorities put into place and a wonderful time of fellowship and peace was enjoyed. Peter first acknowledged the Presence of Jesus and His Lordship. After severe testing, fellowship and love had been restored. A clear understanding of Peter's life work was given at the end of this wonderful meal.

If you are a child of God, you will face the MOMENT OF TRUTH . A time of testing of your loyalty to Christ and whether you will continue in surrender to His will in your life. You may be tested by other competing affections, or severe affliction, either physical or spiritual or emotional. You may have multiple Moments of Truth.

The author suggests that local believers should regularly meet together to celebrate a communal breakfast with Jesus-- the "Lord's Breakfast" where He meets with us as we renew our vows and share His presence and words of commission and encouragement and restoration.
I think this is a great idea. Write me and let me know what you think about John 21.

You can find "He Satisfies My Soul" by Dr. Paul Brand from http://www.dhp.org/.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

We have been busy with various projects around the property. Some construction is going on as well as some landscape changes. Some tearing down and some planting and building up. The purpose of this work is that we might better display the glory of the One True God Who is the owner of where we live. We are His managers.
Today my husband and I read from God's Word something about God's work and our work as fellow workers of God. Jeremiah, the Old Testament prophet was chosen and commissioned by God and even though a young man, God tells Jeremiah he must tell others what God will speak. God promises to be with Jeremiah, to rescue him. God also puts His words in the mouth of Jeremiah so Jeremiah can speak God's words. God provides the power to carry out His commands. Jeremiah will tell of God's wrath against those who worship other gods. This is to tear down or uproot. Jeremiah also tells of God's desire to restore and plant. Jeremiah tells that one day God will one day make a New Covenant with man in order to give us a new heart so we might know God and keep His commands. There will be complete forgiveness of sins under this New Covenant.
The Apostle Paul in the New Testament also talked about building. Paul traveled over many parts of the known world planting "churches"; He did so as God's co-laborer--preaching the news of Christ Jesus and Him crucified so that all who repent of their sins and place their trust in the finished work of Christ Jesus, [the Righteous One, who died as our substitute for our sins, eternally triumphant over sin, death and the grave ] might have Life Everlasting and enjoy the presence of God and delight in Him forever. In 1 Corinthians 3 we read about building on a foundation; Ephesians 2 and Colossians 2 tell us more about how to build, and to make sure we build on the RIGHT foundation.

Let's take a closer look at the passage in Ephesians 2 NIV:
Ephesians 2

Made Alive in Christ

1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

One in Christ

11Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Footnotes:
Ephesians 2:3 Or our flesh

How about you? Everyone is "building" their lives. On what foundation are you building? Do you long for the peace that God promises?

Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God

Fixing our eyes on Jesus.. so says Hebrews 12:2.
We are living in turbulent times, yes?
Uprooting that comes with loss of jobs and homes, fear of the future, chaos and a desperate desire for "normalcy" are prevailing during this time of change.

I want to invite young women or even older ones to begin an online study with me of the book by Noel Piper called "Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God". The book is free to download in pdf from the http://www.desiringgod.org/ website.

We will read aloud the book and discuss what we learn. Can we experience what these women did? An "extraordinary" God?

We will begin with the story of Lilias Trotter.

Check with me if interested for time and date of this continuing study.

Fuzzy Relaxation

This little guy stayed here for several minutes today, enjoying the warmth of the sun on a cold day.

Whiter than Snow

After a rare snowstorm in Central Arizona...

... a message...


... and a song!


If you don't see the embedded videos, click on "Whiter than Snow" above.

Behold the Son

Jesus makes an astounding statement in John 6:40: "For this is the will of My Father, that every one who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life; and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." NASB. Later in v. 44 He explains how this can happen: "No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day."
My attention was drawn to the phrase "beholds the Son". He was speaking to the same multitude of well over 5000 who had just eaten from the miraculous provision of food Jesus provided. Didn't every one "see" Jesus?
Looking into the Greek word translated as "beholds" helps us understand the meaning. "Theoreo" is a word not used of an indifferent spectator, but of one who looks at a thing with interest and for a purpose; would be used of a general officially reviewing or inspecting his army.
Notice in John 6:40, beholding precedes believing. Verse 44 talks about the Father who draws us to the Son.
We are in the season of Christmas. Many see the pictures of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. Sometimes we see pictures of shepherds. An angel of the Lord brought astounding news . Here is how Luke records the event, including the response of the shepherds.
From The Message: Luke 2:8-18
An Event for Everyone
8-12There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
13-14At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15-18As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed." [bold added]
The shepherds responded by telling everyone the message the angels had said about Jesus. That message was the Gospel or Good News. Good news of a Savior and Master.
How about you? What do you "see" when you "look at Jesus"? A good man? A prophet of God?
My next blog will talk about what Jesus said about Himself and why He came to earth.