It's important to listen to what God wants to tell us to have a real connection with Him. passages like 1 John 1:6-7 and Hebrews 12:25-29, we need to heed God's voice and accept His correction. Pruning, shaking, and listening are presented as ways God communicates and guides us. Psalm 81:10-14 shows the significance of heeding God's words.
God is speaking are you listening?
See that you do not refuse him who is speaking
The passage leading up to the verses read speaks about how God Reproves his “sons”, and speaks about what a good thing it is when God corrects us, reproves us, or “prunes” us. It is vital that we don’t PUSH BACK, or worse still “ignore” his word.
Don’t refuse, don’t pretend to not listen, or convince yourself it’s not for you. If his word (read/spoken) makes you uncomfortable it means God is “provoking” you to take action! Or to let his Holy Spirit PRUNE your life.
John 15 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more
Pruning is necessary for growth! Don’t look at pruning as a punishment! Difference between “cutting off” and pruning.
A shaking will happen, to remove all that needs to be removed! A sifting of things eternal (that cannot be shaken) vs. Things that are NOT eternal (constructed)
When we see things crash around us, let’s ask ourselves “We’re they meant to be?” – something that is contributing to my eternal purpose?
When we see friendships, projects, ambitions, and aspirations come tumbling down, ask ourselves is God shaken this? Is God speaking to me?
God speaks because he loves you
Hebrews 12 5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
This day, let us be reminded to be sensitive to what the Lord wants to say to us! Regarding our lives, regarding our conduct regarding our lack of faith & vision.
In conclusion, we need to listen, understand God's intentions, and offer worship through sacrifice.