"Talk to the Hand, God."

"Whoever has ears to hear, listen!"

— Jesus Christ

Someone astutely observed, “Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.”

Whenever God calls people into his service, he gives them instructions. Commands. That’s because he’s in charge. Submitting to him is the best thing for us, because we really do need his guidance, his direction.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts”.

But it’s clear that many aren’t listening. They just want to tell God what they think he should do — especially for them. This is even common among church-goers. It’s like they want to “make a joyful noise” to drown out the voice of God. Up goes the hand, as if to say, “Not now, God. I’m worshipping. Talk to the hand.”

That’s seriously misunderstanding the relationship. God is God. We are his creation. He is the potter; we are the clay. Time and again, God’s word reminds us: when he speaks, we must listen.

“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”

“You shall listen to him in everything.”

“Whoever has ears to hear, listen!”