By Reverend J. Loren Russell
Hebrews 1:1 (NKJV)
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets.”
The scripture says in various times and in various ways, the Lord spoke to our fathers and to the prophets. Whether He speaks to us in written form or the spoken word, we must recognize His word when we hear it.
When the scripture says the Lord spoke to the fathers and the prophets, it indicates a close and personal relationship between them and the Lord. Fathers were more than biological dads. In a paternalistic way, they stood as the leader, provider, protector, and spiritual nurturer of the family. Prophets, on the other hand, moved with the spirit of God and were the Lord’s spokespersons. They both shared in the divine nature of God and were spoken to in various times and in various ways. Once they received the Word, both the fathers and the prophets shared the Word with the people.
The Lord still speaks in various times and various ways, just like He spoke to our ancestors and the prophets. The Lord does this in two ways; one is through the written word (logos): Moses had the tablets with the Ten Commandments, the ancient Hebrews had the Torah, and we have the Holy Bible, all a means of sharing His word in writing. Logos is defined as the message from God.
The interpretation of His message is essential and is defined by the Greek word rhema. The spoken word (rhema) is like the sword or the weapon of the writen word (logos).
Just as He did with our ancestors, God is still sharing His word. Verse 2 of chapter 1 says God now speaks to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14).
The importance of hearing His Word is so that we benefit from the greatest act of unselfishness ever undertaken; the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross so that we can “inherit salvation” (1:14).
I pray that you adjust your hearing, so you hear His word not only when you’re reading scripture (logos), but when listening to the spoken word (rhema) in your prayers, while meditating, while singing songs of praise, or simply in your daily living.
God still speaks to us. It’s His word, both the logos and the rhema. The question is, can you hear Him?
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the spiritual leader of the Evangelical Church of God, both in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096) and is the producer and host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook Live. Be sure to ‘Friend’ the Matters of Faith YouTube Channel. Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177.
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