“When I survey Scripture, I see God showing up in strange place, at strange times, in strange ways. And I don’t think anything has changed. God certainly won’t contradict Himself, but He is still predictably unpredictable.”- Mark Batterson
In Chapter 3 (“The Whispering Spot”) of Whisper, Mark Batterson wants us to be clear about one thing. God possesses the ability to show up anywhere, anytime, anyhow. Therefore, we must not confine God to a chronological day or geographical location. For that entails putting God in a box. Rather, we need to sensitize ourselves to God’s whispering spots.
Consequently, Pastor Batterson underscores, he lives by one simple maxim. If you do what people like Abraham or David did in the Bible, God will do what He did in the Bible. He still speaks, delivers, whispers.
Most noteworthy, Mark notes, Jesus repeats the following words six times in the Gospels and eight times in the book of Revelation: “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” While Jesus’ statement seems simplistic, these words contain exponential implications. Pastor Batterson believes your destiny depends on Jesus’ urgent exhortation.
Finally, Mark observes that Jewish ears hearing Jesus’ declaration would have heard hints of Psalm 40:5 – “My ears have you opened.” The Hebrew word for opened means “to excavate” or “dig through dense material.” Mark believes the way we truly hear Jesus comes as we listen with our inner ears.
However, the word for “opened” also translates as “to pierce.” Many scholars believe this refers to an ancient ritual outlined at Mt. Sinai. After serving a six-year term, a Hebrew slave was set free in year seven. But, if the servant chose not to opt out, they pierced his ear. Thus, Mark asks if:
- your spiritual ear’s been pierced
- you inner ear’s consecrated to Christ
- God’s still small voice remains the loudest voice in your life
Today’s question: Describe how God’s predictably unpredictable in your life. Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Give God a second hearing”
