Idolatry Or Obedient Listening
We are commanded to listen to the Lord each day about all our ways (Heb 3:7, TNT with Prov 2:6, BB). This is not just a listening to Him by examining the Bible but a listening to His voice: it is every word that keeps coming out of His mouth (Mt 4:4, ISV). The Good Shepherd expect this of each of His sheep because a lack of zeal to listen displays that we are strong-willed (2 Ki 17:14, NLV). It also shows that we are stubborn and not under the guidance of His Spirit (1 Cor 2:14, CW).
Persistent indifference to listen daily can result in Him not speaking to us for a while (Ezek 20:3, CW). Isaiah understood that God’s silence is oppressive (Isa 64:12, JB) because this lack of careful listening to Him can cause us to drift from our course (Heb 2:1, NEB). Lack of interest in listening to the Lord is a form of stubbornness (Heb 4:7, TNT) – and stubbornness is as evil to the Lord as worshipping another God (1 Sam 15:23, NLT).
On the other hand, listening to Him has many positive results. Listening can lead to faith since faith develops as we listen to Him (Rom 10:17). In addition, the quality of faithfulness is promised to those who listen to what God says (Ps 85:8, Beck). (How can we be faithful if we don’t know what He wants us to do?). Furthermore, God empowers those who listen to Him (Ps 95:7, NEB). He grants happiness to those who listen to and obey Him (Mt 5:5, CW). No wonder the writer of Hebrews pleads with believers to regularly listen to the Lord’s voice (Heb 3:7, Weymouth, alternative). After all, that is what His sheep do (Jn 10:27, Wuest).
Unending pleasure in the next life; training for godly pleasure in this one.