“Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:9-10 NKJV)
Is it just me or do you have the same reaction? Am I just a Baby-Boomer who has different expectations than that of our younger generations? What reaction? I’m talking about the seemingly standard that is used to determine whether one responds to a text or an email that has been sent directly to them. I’m not counting meditations. I don’t expect everyone to respond to them on a daily basis. But I’m referring to times where you send a message intended to prompt at least a brief response or an abbreviated reply. For instance, a message that says, “Happy birthday! Have a good day,” at least deserves a “Thank you,” a quick, two-word message. Is it just me? I’m referring to specific, personal messages that are not responded to…ever, and soon to be forever. I assume the new day rule or standard is that if there is no question, no response is necessary. Maybe it’s just me or my generation. So perhaps I need to adjust my reaction to non-responses in communication modes nowadays. Although, admittedly, please know that I will still think that it does not meet the requirement expressed in Jesus’ teaching, “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” Busy? I get it! Burdened by all the things going on in your life during these times? I get it! Basing your lack of response on the theorem that if no inquiry is posed, no reply is necessary? I get it! Yet listen to what I want to tell you. It’s not that way with God! I get it and I will get over it!
However, I don’t want to be negligent and not tell you that when God sends you a message, He expects a response. When God calls for your attention, He expects a response! Ask Adam! Ask Moses! Ask Elijah! Ask Samuel! Ask Jonah! Ask Isaiah? Ask Peter and Paul! Ask all the men and women of our times who engage in Bible study seriously. And when God speaks a specific word to you during the service, or during those times that the Holy Spirit brings something to your remembrance, God expects a response. No response? It’s not that way with God. Whether you are studying from the Books of Law, The Books of History, The Books of Poetry, the Major Prophets, The Minor Prophets, The Synoptic Gospels, The Book of Acts, The Epistles or The Book of Revelation, God expects a response. Actually He desires the right response. Not answering or not responding? It’s not that way with God.
Listen for God speaking to you today or if you did not respond to what He sent to you Sunday yet, and its midweek, make sure you respond. Have a great day! No, you don’t have to respond to me regarding this meditation. That’s not necessary with me as it relates to these daily mini-messages. But when it comes to God who speaks to you daily, even by His creation. He expects a response. Not answering or responding? It’s not that way with God. Be blessed!
“Honoring the Lord is correct, lasting forever. The Lord’s judgments are true. All of these are righteous! They are more desirable than gold—than tons of pure gold! They are sweeter than honey—even dripping off the honeycomb! No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them; there is great reward in keeping them.” (Psalm 19:9-11 CEB)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King