It may seem an unnecessary point to make, but I will make it anyway. We believers serve a living God. In fact, we believers in Jesus, through the grace of His Father, serve THE living God. The One and Only living God. It is why our faith rests in the central point of the resurrection, life coming out of death in the power of the living God. As The Living God He speaks! As He speaks He initiates faith, life, light. In fact, all there is He has spoken into existence. All others that purport to be a god are silent and hold no life. They are mute idols.
When the Chaldeans were being used to bring judgment to God’s people, the prophet Habakkuk, was seeing the rise of Babylon and questioned God’s justice, but prayed and wrote:
[Habakkuk 2:1 NASB95] 1 I will stand on my guard post And station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, And how I may reply when I am reproved.
He knew the living God would speak, and he was ready to wait and listen. Listen, even to reproof and consider what his reply to that reproof might be.
A bit later in chapter 2 the prophet records as God is answering him:
[Habakkuk 2:18-20 NASB95] 18 “What profit is the idol when its maker has carved it, [Or] an image, a teacher of falsehood? For [its] maker trusts in his [own] handiwork When he fashions speechless idols. 19 “Woe to him who says to a [piece of] wood, ‘Awake!’ To a mute stone, ‘Arise!’ [And] that is [your] teacher? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, And there is no breath at all inside it.
20 “But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him.”
The LORD is mocking speechless, mute gods, made of wood or stone with no breath in them. Gods of man’s own creation that cannot speak or breathe life. And in verse 20 by comparison saying He is in His temple; He is indicating He has not been created by man. And, by inference, in suggesting or commanding “all the earth to be silent before Him” indicating He speaks and is the One to be heard.
In His answer He also says to the prophet:
[Habakkuk 2:14 NASB95] 14 “For the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea.
He is know-able (It is possible to know Him… and to see His glory) and His glory is to be as obvious on the earth as waters on the sea. The prerequisite is simply to seek Him, the living God, and to listen. Hearing Him initiates faith and brings life.
It is interesting to note that Habakkuk was speaking as Babylon, the Chaldeans, were rising and attacking God’s people. Babylon always represents man trying to reach God in his own efforts and way, just as Egypt always represents being taken into bondage by the world and its ways and systems. God’s people are always, it seems, under attack by Babylon – man made religion/works focussed righteousness , or trying to be brought under bondage by Egypt. We are so easily distracted by the false god and its message.
Paul in warning the church at Corinth not to be joined to unbelievers and their ways recorded:
[2Corinthisan 6:16 NASB95] 16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
Without condemnation to us I suggest; let us give due consideration to being the temple of the LIVING GOD, and not a place for idols. Let us be ready to hear Him, even His reproof when and should it come.
In 1 Corinthians 12 we see that we have been delivered from worshiping mute idols and brought into relationship with the living God Who speaks.
[1Corinthians 12:1-4 NASB95] 1 Now concerning spiritual [gifts,] brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. 2 You know that when you were pagans, [you were] led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.
The apostle makes it clear here that we are no longer led to mute idols. Our Lord Jesus, Our living God, speaks by the Holy Spirit. Paul says here no one speaking by/or in the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed (anathema- a thing set apart, hung up, for destruction). And no one can say “Jesus is Lord (kyrios – Lord, Master, the one who possesses- controls-decides for me, is sovereign over me)” EXCEPT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Jesus is not like an idol, or even a dumb (speechless) animal hung up on a wall destined for destruction. He speaks. His power of speech, by the and through the Holy Spirit, directs me/us as I/we serve a living God.
You may ask “How does He speak?” He, of course, may speak in a number of ways, including, perhaps primarily, the scriptures, as well as in His creation, and more. But one of the primary ways is also through His body…by the Holy Spirit residing in each member. This is one of the many reasons fellowship with other believers is so important and imperative. By the way, this also means He may speak to other believers through you! Yes, even through the likes of you…. or me.
So, listen… and test what you hear. If you are in the Spirit and asking questions He will speak. He will not give you stones. He will deliver understanding, and light, and direction and, often, transforming power by His word. And His word often comes to you as you hear from others, who may, or may not even, be aware they are making a delivery from Him; The Holy Spirit in you, and in them, being more practical and dependable than Amazon.
Going back to Habakkuk. I love that he was ready to hear! And, that he was even ready to hear and consider what his reply/action should be to a word of reproof.
I, like most of us, don’t often seek, want, or appreciate correction. I would just as soon receive praise, or a pat on the back.
But receiving correction and reproof reveals a great deal about us. Generally because it is the place where we are often caused to crucify our flesh, die to self, and, in humility, experience the work of the Spirit in brokenness.
If my/our will or pride, or “rights … to be right” are confronted, the unbroken will defend or justify at the mere suggestion of correction or being wrong.
But he that is familiar with Jesus and the work of the cross, and hearing from His voice through the Holy Spirit will soon exhibit a teachable spirit, humility and repentance. It is often the wine press that brings forth the best from fruit that has been abiding in the vine.
So, that being said, don’t be afraid to receive reproof or correction by His voice/word, and through others. And, for that matter, to give such a word to others. But keep in mind, many times, if not most of the times, it may not be confrontational, as in “Thus says the Lord you are in sin.. repent!”. In fact, you may not even realize you are giving it in what you share. Just as when others share things that may bring you conviction, by His voice/word, that they don’t know they are delivering it. They/you are simply sharing what God has give you, or impressed on you, to share as an encouragement or for the edification of others.
If someone in the body does bring reproof in a more confrontational or direct way to you personally. Remember, God may be speaking. He may not be. So test and take things to Him, personally if you are uncomfortable. Here are a few suggestions on the grace of receiving reproof. Being ready to consider your reply/response/action as Habakkuk was.
Don’t initially react in anger. Listen… and don’t justify and defend yourself before consideration of what is, or may be, His word.
Be sure you understand what is being shared. Ask questions to clarify; and….. listen.
Resist the thoughts of this being a”personal attack”. It may or may not be. But, understand our adversary loves to stir up strife between us even in the times it is God speaking, by making us take things personally or as a personal attack. The evil one is a liar, the father of lies, and would have you think your brother has evil motives toward you, when they may be acting out of concern inspired by the Spirit. So, resist thinking evil of them off the cuff. Don’t see yourself as their victim, but as God’s loved son/daughter whom He may be trying to speak to.
If the reproof is accurate, deal with it before God. If it is inaccurate, let God be the judge and justifier, not you. Leave your defense and justification in Jesus’ hands and follow His direction by the Holy Spirit.
Even in conviction and reproof we are in the loving hands of the Only Living God. He Who speaks. He Who is and is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). What a joy to know Him and hear Him, walking by faith, and seeing the knowledge of His glory fill the earth as the water covers the sea!