And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood 1 and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. (2 Chronicles 20:20 )
God, in His great love, has put each of us in a special spiritual family – the church. The church isn’t just a building or a place we go on Sundays. It’s a living, breathing spiritual home. It’s where God wants us to get His guidance, protection, and direction for our lives. This is the place God set up for us to grow and mature in our faith.
The Bible clearly tells us to listen to and obey those who watch over our souls. As it says in Hebrews 13:17: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” God, in His perfect wisdom, planned it this way. He expects us to hear His voice through the anointed leaders He has placed over us in Christ.
The Apostle Paul once said, “For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:15). This means you might learn from many different teachers, but those who specifically helped you start and grow in your walk with the Lord are like your spiritual parents. They are truly responsible for bringing God’s special voice to you. It’s very important to understand this and train ourselves to hear God through His chosen leaders when He expects us to.
If you ever feel confused about whether something you’re hearing is truly from God, the easiest thing to do is talk to your pastor or your spiritual leader about it. Today, many people might come to you through different ways, claiming they have a message from God. Be careful! Always use wisdom. If a message didn’t come through the right, established spiritual sources, it’s likely not for you.
And remember, you have the Holy Spirit living inside you! He will give you a clear feeling in your heart, confirming if you are truly submitting to God’s plan. Trust that inner witness as you seek to hear God’s voice through those He has anointed and appointed over you.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for joining me to the body of Christ and making me part of a spiritual family of which You are the head. I open my spirit to receive Your voice through the man (or woman) of God whom You have placed over my life. I submit myself to You by submitting to the voice of Your chosen and anointed leader. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
