Listen

Acts 10:17-20 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon, who was known as Peter, was staying there. 19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”
 
PETER was thinking. He didn’t know how to respond to heaven’s vision of all animals on a sheet and God’s command, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” (Acts 10:13) His response in verse 14, “Surely not, Lord!” rejected God’s word. Instead of getting up, he remained seated in his room. What was he to do? This new word from God confused him. He didn’t like it. Was Peter possibly considering how he would avoid God’s command?
   Then the Spirit spoke specific directions to Peter. “Get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” Peter was done thinking and wondering. Once more he had heard a direct word from God. Peter is an experienced apostle. He knows his only choice is to do what God tells him to do, even when he doesn’t understand what God is doing.  
   Being Jesus’ disciple means we listen when God talks. The Bible tells us God’s kingdom is a specific plan of action from one generation to another. God called many people into a particular work for him. Few understood completely how to do what seemed to be an impossible task. But they needed to know that their first task was to listen when God spoke. That means they heard his voice with their ears and responded with their heart, mind, hands and feet. They needed to go and do what God said. Listening to God, these men and women experienced God’s power change their lives. They saw the evidence of Almighty God’s reign over his world.
   As Moses prepared to die, he sang this song to implore Israel to listen to God: Deuteronomy 32:1 Listen, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 2 Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. 3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! 4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.  
   These are words of worship to the holy God, who has spoken to Israel and now speaks to his church. The Bible’s evidence is certain. His words will fall like rain and abundant dew on those who listen, who get up and go, even when we are not sure where the Spirit wants us to be.
   Following Jesus is a one-step journey. One step at a time we walk on the pathway to our holy destiny. Remain faithful. Be determined. Get up each day and walk with the Spirit, who instructs you in God’s way.