How does Joshua 3:9 demonstrate the importance of listening to God's words today? The Call to Attention “So Joshua told the Israelites, ‘Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God.’” (Joshua 3:9) What Listening Meant at the Jordan • A gathered people: Every tribe halted all activity to hear God before moving forward. • A holy moment: On the brink of the Jordan’s floodwaters, the Word—not military strategy—took center stage (cf. Deuteronomy 27:9). • A guaranteed outcome: Listening preceded witnessing the miracle; God’s words foretold the waters parting (Joshua 3:13). Timeless Reasons to Listen Today • God still speaks with absolute authority. His Word is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). • Faith is born and strengthened by hearing Scripture (Romans 10:17). • Christ’s disciples are identified by attentive ears: “My sheep listen to My voice” (John 10:27). • Obedience follows accurate hearing; blessing follows obedience (James 1:22-25). Practical Ways to Tune Our Ears – Prioritize daily, unhurried Bible reading—treat it as Israel treated the Jordan moment. – Approach Scripture expectantly, trusting its literal truth and relevance. – Memorize key passages; stored truth surfaces when decisions loom (Psalm 119:11). – Engage in congregational hearing—sermons, public readings—echoing Joshua’s corporate call (Nehemiah 8:3). – Test every voice, trend, or feeling against the written Word (1 John 4:1). Encouragement for the Journey Just as crossing the Jordan hinged on hearing God first, every step of our walk today depends on the same posture. When His Word leads, obstacles part, faith rises, and God’s presence becomes unmistakably clear. |
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