Tuesday | 10 December 2024
The polarising effect of ‘the water of the word’ upon the ground of our heart highlights the need for us to give attention to how we are hearing and responding to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Jesus exhorted us to this consideration, saying, ‘Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have [as a projection] will be taken from him.’ Luk 8:18.
Peter was delivered from his zealous and religious self‑image when the rooster crowed, and he remembered the words that Jesus had spoken to him at the last Passover. Concerning this encounter, Luke wrote, ‘And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly’. Luk 22:61‑62. ‘ Remembering’ was essential for Peter’s conversion from living according to the flesh to walking in a new and living way that led to salvation.
Thankfully, the Father, in the name of the Son, has sent the Holy Spirit as a Helper to teach us, and to bring to our remembrance all the things that Christ speaks to us. Joh 14:26. The Spirit brings the words of Christ to our remembrance by opening our ear, morning by morning, to hear our obedience. Those who live by the Spirit testify, ‘He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned. The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away [from receiving the illumination from the face of Christ]. I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.’ Isa 50:4‑6.
Further Study:
JOHN 14
References:
Luk 8:18
Therefore, take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.
Luk 22:61-62
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ So Peter went out and wept bitterly.
Joh 14:26
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
Isa 50:4-6
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to hear as the learned. The Lord GOD has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away. I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.