God is unlimited in His power, knowledge, ability, and every perfect trait that it is possible for a person (and God possesses personality) to possess. So, on one hand, God sees, hears, and knows everything and everyone. Yet, only in a few places does the Bible declare those whom the Lord hears.
The Lord hears the poor (Ps. 69:33; Isa. 41:17). In both poetic and prophetic literature, this affirmation is made. Ironically, man pays the least attention to the poor and needy. However, God stresses through different inspired men over a span of some time that He is listening closely to them. Surely the poor and needy plead for food and assistance. How, then, does God feel when we have "this world's goods, and see (our) brother in need, and shut up (our) hearts from him" (cf. 1 Jn. 3:17)? In such cases, we are ignoring those whom God carefully, thoughtfully hears!
The Lord hears those offering true worship and practicing obedience (Jn. 9:31). A blind man Jesus has just healed says this. Yet, nothing he says seems at odds with biblical principles and truths. The first part of his statement, that God does not hear sinners, accords with Isaiah 59:1-2. Who would argue against the second part, that God does hear those who truly worship and faithfully obey Him? In fact, we can deduce that one act is not as good as another. False worshippers and the disobedient do not find acceptance with God, whereas those mentioned by the blind man are heard by God. What a rich, sweet relationship we can enjoy as grow in our trust and obedience for God, knowing He is lovingly attentive and interested in what we say and do!
The Lord hears the righteous (1 Pt. 3:12). Peter quotes David's words from Psalm 34, a Psalm written when the shepherd "pretended madness before Abimelech" as he was fleeing from Saul. As a man on the lam, David needed to know that God was paying attention as he suffered. Likewise, Peter wrote to Christians encountering suffering at the hands of persecutors. They needed the assurance David sought and found in his hour of trial. How are they identified as righteous, in context? They are followers of good (13). They practice righteousness (14). They give a defense for their faith (15). They have a good conscience and good conduct (16). They do good (17). Such ones are those to whom God is attentive.
Surely all of us want to be those whom the Lord hears! The alternative is for Him to "have His face against us" (cf. 1 Pet. 3:12b). Let us strive to be those who, in heart and life, are those who draw the attention and the applause of heaven!
The Lord hears the poor (Ps. 69:33; Isa. 41:17). In both poetic and prophetic literature, this affirmation is made. Ironically, man pays the least attention to the poor and needy. However, God stresses through different inspired men over a span of some time that He is listening closely to them. Surely the poor and needy plead for food and assistance. How, then, does God feel when we have "this world's goods, and see (our) brother in need, and shut up (our) hearts from him" (cf. 1 Jn. 3:17)? In such cases, we are ignoring those whom God carefully, thoughtfully hears!
The Lord hears those offering true worship and practicing obedience (Jn. 9:31). A blind man Jesus has just healed says this. Yet, nothing he says seems at odds with biblical principles and truths. The first part of his statement, that God does not hear sinners, accords with Isaiah 59:1-2. Who would argue against the second part, that God does hear those who truly worship and faithfully obey Him? In fact, we can deduce that one act is not as good as another. False worshippers and the disobedient do not find acceptance with God, whereas those mentioned by the blind man are heard by God. What a rich, sweet relationship we can enjoy as grow in our trust and obedience for God, knowing He is lovingly attentive and interested in what we say and do!
The Lord hears the righteous (1 Pt. 3:12). Peter quotes David's words from Psalm 34, a Psalm written when the shepherd "pretended madness before Abimelech" as he was fleeing from Saul. As a man on the lam, David needed to know that God was paying attention as he suffered. Likewise, Peter wrote to Christians encountering suffering at the hands of persecutors. They needed the assurance David sought and found in his hour of trial. How are they identified as righteous, in context? They are followers of good (13). They practice righteousness (14). They give a defense for their faith (15). They have a good conscience and good conduct (16). They do good (17). Such ones are those to whom God is attentive.
Surely all of us want to be those whom the Lord hears! The alternative is for Him to "have His face against us" (cf. 1 Pet. 3:12b). Let us strive to be those who, in heart and life, are those who draw the attention and the applause of heaven!
--Neal Pollard
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