“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47 (KJV)
What an indictment against hypocrisy! Jesus was never easy with those who said one thing and did another; those who claimed they were righteous but refused to practice righteousness. According to Jesus, such people are confused about who they are and who they serve (Jn. 8:31-47). Of course, those who reject God’s words always have excuses; offer criticisms; make accusations; and attempt further arguments, but never admit that Jesus is right.
In the Lord’s argument against this obvious hypocrisy, He gives the identifying marks for distinguishing the authentic from the false. First, those who “hear” (i.e., receive and give heed to) God’s words are “of God” (i.e., His disciples). Second, those who “do not hear” God’s words are not His disciples. The Greek term “hear” infers more than auditory skill. It encompasses the receiving of God’s words and the giving heed or obedience to those words.
We might ask ourselves: why would anyone who claims to follow God refuse to receive and obey God’s words? Yet our society is flooded with false discipleship. It seems that every person’s ways are right in his/her eyes and God’s words count for nothing. Well, we could go on and on . . . but that is useless.
Instead, we might consider that in His discussion, Jesus has given His disciples two guard rails on the highway of discipleship. On the one hand, we can gauge our own obedience: am I receiving and obeying God’s words? Whatever my response to that question, Jesus shows me who I am: disciple or not. On the other hand, we can gauge those to whom we listen: are they teaching His words and obeying them or their own brand of discipleship? If it’s contrary to the words of God, then who are they? Why would we listen to one who refuses to obey the words of God?
While I have some concern about others, I simply want to be certain of my own attention to the words of God because no matter what one says, what he/she does tells the truth about his/her discipleship.
Dear Father, thank you for Jesus who gave us an example of obedience. Forgive us our failures and empower us with listening ears and obedient hearts. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in God’s words,