What does "Have you not heard?" imply about our responsibility to know God? Setting the Scene “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will never faint nor grow weary; His understanding is beyond searching out.” (Isaiah 40:28) Phrase Breakdown • “Do you not know?” – appeals to knowledge already available • “Have you not heard?” – appeals to testimony already proclaimed Together they assume God has spoken clearly enough that people ought to be aware of Him. Sources of Hearing • Creation’s voice (Psalm 19:1–4; Romans 1:19-20) • Israel’s history and Law (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) • Prophetic preaching (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea 4:6) • Christ’s teaching (Matthew 11:15; John 7:16-17) • Apostolic witness (Acts 17:30-31; 2 Peter 1:16-19) God has never left Himself without testimony. Implications for Us • Accountability – Ignorance is rarely excusable; revelation has been given. • Urgency – Failure to seek God is a moral issue, not merely intellectual. • Stewardship – Once we hear, we become messengers to others (Romans 10:14-17). • Worship – Recognizing God’s self-disclosure leads to awe and trust. Practical Steps to Fulfill Our Responsibility 1. Daily Scripture intake—start with Isaiah 40; read slowly, aloud. 2. Listen actively in gathered worship—expect God to speak through preaching. 3. Observe creation—let natural revelation prompt thanksgiving. 4. Share what you learn—reinforce truth by speaking it (Deuteronomy 6:7). Encouragement from Scripture • “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) • “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) “Have you not heard?” reminds us that God has made Himself knowable and expects us to respond by actively pursuing, knowing, and proclaiming Him. |
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