May 14, 2024

What if [what] you “hear” is an uncertain sound… or you lack sufficient understanding of the words “heard” [sound] or instruction? The Greek word used above for “hearing” seems to denote a typical voice sound, by communicated words, of what should be generally understood among the persons audibly affected… Paul recites Isaiah’s words:

“ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” isa 53:1;  17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.” rom 10:16-18 nkjv

Paul begins the book of Romans with an indictment against the rebellious heart of man… saying they have no excuse for their disobedience and rebellion against Yahweh. Which is clearly more serious than not “understanding.” As a side note, I believe that the clarity of Yahweh’s Torah, Yeshua’s example of living it before men’s very eyes… and finally Yahweh’s outpouring of the Holy Spirit [the Spirit of truth], as man’s inner witness of His truth and commandments, nullifies any of man’s foolish excuses or blame shifting that they did not know, etc,… that is so common among guilty parties trying to squirm out of their chosen evildoing [lawless deeds].

My conclusion concerning this “hearing” issue is that these people rejected the accompanying faith that comes by hearing the Word of Yahweh. As, I think faith comes when Yahweh’s Word is given, but faith’s intended purpose is not force fed to anyone. Faith is a decision to act on truth, because you love and trust Yahweh and know your responsibilities to the covenant you have with Him. This “decision” to do the word you hear, is the essence of the difference between the Greek ‘knowing/hearing’ and the Hebrew ‘doing’ as a continued action upon ‘hearing.’ The Hebrew word for ‘hear’ is shema [sama], and is fully understood in the Torah culture as an action to be done or the ‘hearer’ has NOT actually fulfilled the hearing… thus they had no faith:

“For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” heb 4:2 nkjv

The Writer of Hebrews says this about faith: “ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” heb 11:1 nkjv

If you have trouble with this concept, you are not alone… I have concluded that it takes “faith” to understand it. Why you might ask… because, I think, for it to work there must be substance somewhere that, even though we can’t physically touch it, we “hope” because Biblical history’s evidence, and the witness of ancient’s defending their faith, being martyred to validate it to exist, rather than deny their faith to escape death. I suggest it is somewhat like “circumstantial evidence,” in a court of law conviction where 12 jurors agreed the crime did happen and the accused did it… even absence of a body [murder] or other normally presented evidence.

There is a unique thing about faith [to believe] for the impossible [and unlikely] in the natural, it brings with it a deep peace within one’s soul. Because faith looks unto Yahweh's promises and trusts Him for the results… believing whatever comes is His will within the circumstances, always for our best; not to be judged upon our escape from trouble or even death [all temporary for the believer].

And then there is this: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” heb 11:6 nkjv

I now come to a most remarkable comment by Yeshua concerning a child: “ But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” luk 18:16-17 nkjv

Have you ever considered the faith and confidence that a small child has in their dad and/or mom? I think Yeshua used this example to teach us we have to see our Heavenly Father as our security and place of provision and shelter… How would one receive the Kingdom of God anyway? Yeshua said it was within us. It is a free gift of love from Yahweh filled with everything we need [by knowing Yeshua]…

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 pet 1:2-4 nkjv

If we are to trust Yahweh for provision in all things, as a little child, there is also an implied provision of peace and faith provided by Yahweh, as a little child would not yet understand such things… what do you think that means?

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” heb 12:1-2 nkjv

Shalom, John