Rumination 24 Revisted

Rumination #24: If He called, would you know His voice? The account of Samuel in chapter three of 1Samuel makes a nice children's story. Of course, Samuel lived in quiet times. Quiet times with regard to HaShem speaking that is. He lived in the days of the Judges, when each man did what was right in his own eyes. It was in those dark days that Samuel first heard HaShem speak. At first he did not know HaShem's Voice. After the third trip to Eli, the elderly priest helped Samuel understand that it was HaShem Himself speaking to the young boy. It brings up an interesting question for those of us who live in dark times. How would we know HaShem's Voice if He were to break the silence and speak to us? The Scriptures tell us that in such times as this, deception is always lurking in the shadows, ready to deceive even the elect. How can we know? How can we be sure? It is actually easy. If you have embraced the Torah of HaShem as a mark of your discipleship to Messiah then you are in a far safer place than some of our brothers and sisters. You see, you can tell HaShem's Voice by what He will not say. He will never turn you away from His loving instructions in Scripture. If you want to recognize His Voice, always remember this: Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it. If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, "Let us go after other gods" - which you have not known - "and let us serve them," you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for HaShem your G-d is testing you to know whether you love HaShem your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after HaShem your G-d and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. Deuteronomy 12:32-13:4 When He calls, will you know His Voice?