We are often speaking when we should be listening. We are often complaining when we should be thanking. We are often about us when we should be about Jesus.

In Matthew 17, Jesus is transfigured before his three disciples – Peter, James and John. Jesus is shining like the sun and Mose and Elijah – two Old Testament heroes – are seen to be speaking with Jesus. At this, Peter makes a suggestion that there be set up three tents, one of each of them. While he is still speaking, the Bible says, a voice rang out from heaven and says,“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” At this, the disciples shut up and hit the ground in prostration.

What He speaks to us is far more important than what we speak to Him. Our listening to Him is far more important than our speaking to Him or anyone else. This incident with Peter was a reminder that Jesus is the only One who is truly worth hearing. And we do well to shut up, sit at his feet and listen to Him.

Perhaps this has more application to me than to you. As a preacher and pastor, I’m constantly speaking, writing, and teaching. And so, if I’m not careful, I do more of the speaking than listening. As important as preaching and teaching might be, it is even more important that I listen to Him than I speak to Him or about Him. Even if I do not teach another soul, I need to listen to the voice of Jesus for my own soul’s sake.

Have you been listening to the voice of God? Or have you been listening to your own voice? Have you saturated yourself with the word of God so that your own voice has no place to stick? Whether it’s self-condemning or self-congratulating, is your life full of your own voice or is it full of God’s voice? I can’t stress enough going daily to the word of God and reading and meditating on the word of God. Feeding on the pure milk of God so that you won’t crave the junk food. If you are struggling with certain habits, lifestyles, restlessness, or dissatisfaction, detox yourself by feeding on the word of God. Let it penetrate deep into your heart, making you see the beauty of Christ, and giving you joy and freedom of self-forgetfulness.

Listen to Him today!

PH