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THE WORD OF THE LORD
John 1:1-6,9-14,16-17

Hearing God’s word requires more than simply listening to religious phrases. Words aren’t perfect and if they aren’t meaningful to the one who hears them, they’re worthless.

For example, a missionary to Belize said, “Our climate is steamy. We have no wintertime here. The Scripture that says, ‘Your sins can be as white as snow,’ makes no sense to these people. Instead, we have to say, ‘Your sins can be as white as the inside of a coconut.’ “ Now, which of these statements is inspired?

Many people today have never heard the Gospel because it is spoken in the Language of Zion. This situation grows steadily worse as each generation moves further and further away from the traditional expressions. We are not in the first Century. We don’t live in Palestine. We don’t have kings. We don’t shepherd flocks. We don’t ride donkeys and carry staffs. Yet, we continue to mouth phrases that mean nothing simply because they sound religious. We’re afraid to say what we mean in ordinary terms because it might not sound religious.

Remember, Jesus didn’t sound religious either. Instead, he found new ways of explaining old truths. His explanations were out of his current secular world. Unfortunately, we have now turned these same vivid illustrations into pious phrases. In order to speak to this generation we must simplify. We must tell it like it is. We must avoid sanctified gobbledy gook.

Misunderstanding is rampant! Superstition is rampant! Emotional hype is rampant! People deserve better than this.

Jesus was a pioneer in plain talk. They said, “He spoke as one having authority and not as one of the scribes” (see Matt. 7:29). In other words, he made sense. He dealt with practical issues.

Words can be misleading. As the Queen in Alice in Wonderland said, “Words can mean whatever you make them mean.” The interpretation is up to us since we, as human beings, assign the meanings in the first place! It’s strange that we define words and then forget that they are our own creations and begin to worship them.

Even the word “Word” is an enigma. For most people “God’s Word” means the Bible. Yet, John said Christ became the Word. “The word became a man and lived among us . . .” (John 1:14, edb).

Now, Jesus certainly didn’t become the Bible. In fact, he didn’t personally write a single verse. It’s evident, therefore, that “God’s Word” must mean more than just Scripture. It must mean “God’s truth.”

The Bible can be “God’s Word” to us only if we receive divine meaning from it. So, what is “God’s Word” and how can we hear it?

Well, God made us all different. We have individual temperaments and needs and languages. Therefore, when God speaks, He takes that into account.

He speaks to me in ways I can hear and understand. He speaks to you in ways you can hear and understand.

Since people are different, it’s obvious that various means of communication and various types of worship are appropriate. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength . . .” (Mark 12:30, edb).

We must realize that these different “words” of God are equally legitimate. Just because I hear in one way and you hear in another way doesn’t make one of these ways more important. Even in the Scripture we read of various methods from a “still small voice” to a “thunderbolt” (see I Kings 19:12 and II Sam. 22:14).

Some people are intellectual types. They use their minds and logical reasoning. Others are emotional types. They use their hearts and intuition. Still others are physical types. They use their hands and feet in practical and concrete ways. Of course most of us use all of these methods, but we probably have a personal preference.

Let’s consider these three means of spiritual communication and learn how to recognize the word of the Lord.

I. First, those with minds or “intellectual” modes of communication are logical and factual.

They tend to read and investigate and make rational decisions. Since they need information, they prefer forms of worship that include organized services with an emphasis on teaching and discussion. Isaiah said, “Come now, and let us reason together . . .” (Isa. 1:18).

Paul was of this type. He said, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God . . .” (II Tim. 2:15, kjv).

He also said, “We ask God that you will know fully what God wants. We pray that you will also have great wisdom and understanding in spiritual things” (Col. 1:9, edb).

Intellectual types will probably seek guidance by studying and thinking. God may speak to them through information and ideas.

Do you ever have an “insight” while reading Scripture? Does a new way of looking at something suddenly occur to you as you listen to a sermon? Do you like to analyze issues and draw sensible conclusions? These may be God’s word to you.

But remember this. God’s will is always reasonable. He never calls us to do selfish or destructive things. So use your “God given” intelligence.

Those who “hear” with their minds may serve by preaching, teaching or writing.

II. Next, those with hearts or “emotional” modes of communication are sensitive and intuitive.

They tend to react and “go with their gut.” Since they need to feel, they prefer forms of worship that include more spontaneous services with an emphasis on musical interaction and personal testimonies. Peter was of this type. He said, “You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts . . .” (I Peter 3:8, lb).

Emotional types will probably seek guidance through prayer and meditation. God may “speak” to them through inner urges and holy impulses.

Have you ever suddenly remembered an old friend and wanted to call? Have you ever recalled a teacher who helped you and said, “I should write a note of thanks.” Have you ever seen a person who looked sad or worried and thought, “Would a smile or a hug from me make a difference? These may be “God’s Word” to you.

Such urges and impulses should be taken very seriously. If we keep repressing them, we’ll quit having them. Furthermore, the opportunity to touch that special person may never return. James said, “It is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” (James 4:17).

But, remember this, God’s will is always productive. He never calls us to do rash or stupid things. Listen to your higher inclinations.

Those who “hear with their hearts” may serve through hospitality, counseling or compassionate sharing.

III. Finally, those with “hands and feet” or “physical” modes of communication are practical and concrete.

They tend to try things and use real life experiences. Since they need achievement and productivity, they prefer forms of worship that will include activity oriented services with an emphasis on projects that yield results.

James was of this type. He said, “Do what God’s teaching says; do not just listen and do nothing . . .” (James 1:22, edb).

He also said, “It isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless . . . I can’t see your faith if you don’t have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds.” (James 2:17-18).

Practical types will probably seek guidance through hands on operations. God may “speak” to them through events and opportunities.

Have you ever encountered a social problem you could solve? Or a crises you could relieve, or a difficulty you could remedy. These may be “God’s Word” to you.

Indeed, any time you see a need that you can fill, it’s safe to assume that’s God’s will for you at that moment.

But remember this: God’s will is always possible. He never calls us to do preposterous or absurd things. He never leads us to interfere in other people’s business. Use your common sense.

Those who “hear with their hands and feet” may serve by giving, building or doing concrete deeds.

Now these languages and forms of worship are neither right nor wrong. They’re just different. In fact, we must use all three methods even though one may be predominate in our lives.

Hearing the “Word of the Lord” is extremely important. It guides us and protects us and helps us make good decisions. Let’s use an analogy to help us understand.

At the top of Chicago’s 100 story John Hancock building, there is an observation deck with a traffic control center. It is manned by a radio technician who uses a powerful telescope to monitor the maze of cars during rush hours. But he doesn’t just watch–he broadcasts useful information like: “There’s a 25 minute delay on the inbound Eisenhower Expressway due to a jack knifed semi.” He points out the stalled cars, the accidents, the construction sites—the paths that should generally be avoided. He guides drivers along the route he feels is best for them based on his broader perspective.

Of course, not all drivers tune into this station. Those who don’t must find their own route, based on a ground-level perspective. They may dodge a few obstacles and dart from lane to lane, trying to save time. But, for all they know, the highway may be blocked just up ahead. The problem is that they simply can’t see much beyond their own front bumper.

In our day-to-day lives, we’re much like these confused drivers. We have to rely on our own limited perspective as we face the future and make difficult decisions. Solomon said, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” You may be on a dead end street. You may be going into a dangerous zone, but you can’t know that unless you’re in tune with God, and following His directions. God, like that traffic controller, sees where you’ve been and where you’re going. He knows where the detours are. Furthermore, you’re not just another anonymous vehicle lost in the rush of life. You’re God’s unique creation and He will lovingly guide you along the route that is best for you, according to His broader perspective. But, of course, you must first “tune in.” You must hear “God’s Word.”

The Scriptures are full of admonitions to hear and heed divine guidance. But, before we claim that God is leading in a certain direction we should use the specific natural avenues God has given us by checking all three “languages.” When you face a crucial decision or problem, consider these questions: Have I used my mind and thought it through? Have I gotten information and done research? Does it seem reasonable?

Have I used my heart with empathy and concern? Am I interested and enthusiastic? Does it feel right?

Have I used my hands and feet and become involved? Are the doors open to make this possible? Am I committed and determined and capable of action?

If all of these fit, then you are most likely “hearing” the “Word of the Lord.”

(WC1863)

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This issue of NEW PERSPECTIVES is from an unpublished manuscript © copyrighted 2008 by Miles and Maralene Wesner, Idabel, OK. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THEM IN ANY WAY YOU THINK IS APPROPRIATE. The only thing we ask is that you give credit for original material in PUBLISHED works.

Miles E Wesner