{"id":3337,"date":"2017-05-12T05:02:32","date_gmt":"2017-05-12T10:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thewaywesee.com\/religiondetoxnetwork\/?page_id=3337"},"modified":"2026-01-26T09:36:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T15:36:36","slug":"gods-written-word-and-gods-spoken-voice-part-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thewaywesee.com\/religiondetoxnetwork\/mystery\/gods-written-word-and-gods-spoken-voice-part-2","title":{"rendered":"God’s Written Word and God’s Spoken Voice Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

STUDY TIP: Readers who have not yet read Bible History<\/a> and God’s\u00a0Written Word and God’s Spoken Voice Part 1<\/a> would do well to do so before reading this series of pages.<\/p>\n

\n

GOD GIVES THE ABILITY TO HEAR HIS VOICE<\/strong>
\nIn Mystery<\/a> we discuss the many difficult parts of scripture that are impossible to interpret with the natural mind. The message in this series of pages is the truth that those mysteries can be and will be revealed in New Covenant disciples.<\/p>\n

Near the end of Deuteronomy there are several very interesting verses that seem quite inconsequential at first but are very important to people who want to enter into a mysterious Promised Land.<\/p>\n

Deuteronomy 29:1-15<\/a>:\u00a0 These are the words of the covenant which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the sons of Israel in the land of Moab, besides<\/a><\/span> the covenant which He had made with them at Horeb. 2 And Moses summoned all Israel and\u00a0said<\/a><\/span> to them, “You have\u00a0seen<\/a><\/span> all that the LORD did before your eyes<\/a> in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh and all his servants and all his land ; <\/span> 3 <\/a>the great trials which your eyes<\/a><\/span> have seen<\/a><\/span><\/span>, those great signs and wonders.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

COMMENTARY: At first this appears to be a simple review of Israel’s history with God since their deliverance from Egypt<\/a>. When interpreted symbolically, however, it is much more than a reminder of what Israel saw with its physical eyes.\u00a0 Actually, this is an introduction to an important Biblical theme: The difference between knowing about God by what can be seen with the physical eye (i.e. reading the written Bible) compared to learning about him by obeying his commandment to listen to his voice.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

These scriptures only make sense if they are not interpreted as history. The power of scripture to train us in righteousness<\/a> is attained only if we interpret them as though they apply to us as individuals today<\/a>. This happens only to people who know how to hear God’s spoken voice.<\/p>\n

Signs and wonders are commonly interpreted as physical miracles that can be observed with the natural eye. Religious people who like to observe such phenomena think that they are exercising their faith when they see a miracle. They could not be more wrong because faith is the substance of things not seen — not of things that can be seen like physical signs and wonders.<\/p>\n

See Signs, Wonders and Miracles<\/a> for more about how God sees them.<\/p>\n

<\/span> 4<\/span> “Yet to this<\/a> day<\/a> the LORD<\/a> has not given<\/a> you a heart<\/a> to know<\/a>, nor eyes <\/a>to see<\/a>, nor ears<\/a> to hear<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

STUDY TIPS: See Blindness <\/a>and Deafness <\/a>for understanding of what it means to not have eyes to see or ears to hear.<\/p>\n

Having a heart to know is a reference to New Covenant scriptures<\/a> that promise the ability to know God intimately<\/a>. This happens when God writes his laws on hearts of people who have stopped practicing the sin of religion<\/a>. New Covenant<\/a> disciples <\/a>will know God when they know how to listen to his spoken voice.<\/a><\/p>\n

Hearts to understand, eyes to see and ears to hear are given only to New Covenant<\/a> disciples who have been delivered from the sin of religion <\/a>(symbolically represented as deliverance from Egypt).<\/p>\n

STUDY TIP: See Egypt <\/a>and Pharaohs<\/a> for understanding of deliverance.<\/p>\n

People who have no sense of having been delivered from bondage<\/a> in Egypt are still Old\/First Covenant<\/a> religionists who see only with their natural eyes and ears (i.e. they interpret the Bible literally). They have not yet entered the promised land<\/a> of the New Covenant<\/a> where they interpret the Bible symbolically (i.e. they listen to God’s voice with spiritual eyes and hear with spiritual ears).<\/p>\n

<\/span> 5<\/span> I have led you forty years in the wilderness; your clothes have not worn out upon you, and your sandals have not worn off your feet; <\/span> 6<\/span> you have not eaten bread, and you have not drunk wine or strong drink; that you may know that I am the LORD your God. <\/span><\/p>\n

COMMENTARY: The reminder about clothes and sandals is another review of a sign and wonder that God did within Israel’s physical view. The reference to bread, wine and strong drink, however, is about something spiritual — not physical.<\/p>\n

Israel had bread<\/a> while in the wilderness of religion, but the physical manna\/bread ceased when Israel entered the Promised Land<\/a>. The reason the manna ceased is that in the Promised Land, New Covenant disciples eat hidden manna<\/a> — not common manna that they need to work for<\/a>. This principle is represented in the Messiah who is the bread of life and the mediator of the New Covenant <\/a>which symbolizes the Promised Land. The bread eaten in the Promised Land is therefore called hidden (i.e. spiritual) manna.<\/a><\/p>\n

The place where this bread it is hidden is in the inner man <\/a>(i.e. heart) where God’s laws are written.<\/a>\u00a0Being spiritual, this bread cannot be understood by Old\/First Covenant religionists who use their natural eyes or ears to interpret the Bible literally. It can only be understood by New Covenant disciples who listen to God’s voice<\/a> with their hearts. What they hear is the symbolic (i.e. spiritual) meaning behind the literal words.<\/p>\n

In Bible symbolism, when spiritual bread (i.e. God’s spoken voice) is seen and heard, it is said to be eaten or consumed at a spiritual table (i.e. heart). This spiritual bread that comes from God’s voice is the only bread that nurtures spiritual life.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Verse 6 anticipates entrance into the Promised Land. While in the desert wilderness (i.e. religion), Israel ate the bread<\/a> of religion and drank the strong drink of religion.<\/a> In other words, they were intoxicated<\/a> with Old\/First Covenant religion that is based on literal interpretations of the Bible. In the promised land (i.e. New Covenant), however, Israel ate hidden manna and drank new wine and new strong drink. New Covenant wine is a reference to joy which is one of the fruits of the Spirit.<\/a> This all symbolizes\u00a0 the New Covenant which is the gift of the Spirit<\/a> which is poured out on New Covenant disciples.<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/span> 7<\/span> And when you came to this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out against us to battle, but we defeated them; <\/span> 8<\/span> we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manas’sites. <\/span><\/p>\n

COMMENTARY: These verses are more of God’s reminders about things he did for Israel by conquering its enemies on the way to the Promised Land.<\/a><\/p>\n

9<\/span> Therefore be careful to do the words of this covenant, that you may prosper in all that you do.<\/span><\/p>\n

COMMENTARY: It is important to keep in mind that all communication between God and his people at this time was through a human mediator (i.e. Moses). There was a book of the covenant that Moses wrote<\/a>,\u00a0 but there were no written words of God for people to study. All they had was God’s verbal word as mediated by Moses. Thus, to “do the words of the covenant,” Israel had to listen to God’s spoken voice.<\/p>\n

The presence of a human mediator (i.e. false\u00a0 prophet) is always a feature of the wilderness experience. Absence of a human mediator is a basic feature of the Promised Land\/New Covenant experience in which God himself teaches through his spirit <\/a>and through true prophets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

10<\/span> “You stand this day all of you before the LORD your God; the heads of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, all the men of Israel, <\/span> 11<\/span> your little ones, your wives, and the sojourner who is in your camp, both he who hews your wood and he who draws your water, <\/span> 12<\/span> that you may enter into the sworn covenant of the LORD your God, which the LORD your God makes with you this day; <\/span> 13<\/span> that he may establish you this day as his people, and that he may be your God, as he promised you, and as he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. <\/span> 14<\/span> Nor is it with you only that I make this sworn covenant, <\/span> 15<\/span> but with him who is not here with us this day as well as with him who stands here with us this day before the LORD our God. <\/span><\/p>\n

COMMENTARY: The context here is the end of the forty years in the wilderness and the beginning of the entry into the Promised Land. God reminds Israel of all their wanderings and their various tests along the way as he prepares them for entry into the covenant that was promised to Abraham four hundred years earlier.<\/p>\n

The main point to take from these verses is that God is speaking to everyone — not just to Israel. The sworn covenant in verse 12 is the New Covenant of which Jesus is the mediator. It is for anyone who wants to be one of God’s people and who consider the God of Abraham to be their God also.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

A CRITICAL DISTINCTION<\/strong>
\nOne of the great mysteries of the Bible is that God distinguishes between his written word and his spoken voice. This will be a very difficult distinction for most people to grasp because all the attention in both Judaism and Christianity has been on the written word. And it will be rejected categorically because most theologies do not accept that God actually speaks directly to people — except through his written word.<\/p>\n

This doctrinal issue is clearly evident in the fact that religious organizations and teachers do not actively teach followers to learn how to listen to God’s voice. There is an unspoken, but powerful understanding between the clergy and laity that the ability to hear God’s voice is a spiritual skill reserved for the trained clergy and perhaps a few other select individuals whom God has chosen and anointed to hear and speak on his behalf. In Biblical terms, people with this calling are identified as prophets<\/a>. But not all prophets speak on God’s behalf. Many are false prophets. A false prophet is anyone who leads people away from hearing and interpreting God’s voice directly for themselves. In Religion is the Enemy<\/a> we see that these humans led people astray.<\/p>\n

Only true prophets<\/a> are able to hear God’s voice and speak on his behalf to people. The Bible talks\u00a0 extensively about “false prophets” who are discussed in detail in False Prophets.<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

GOD’S VOICE — NOT THE VOICE OF A HUMAN MEDIATOR<\/strong>
\nIn the world of religion, much emphasis is placed on human mediators (e.g. religious leaders, political leaders, etc.) who supposedly hear from God and interpret his words to followers. They are regarded as religious professionals who are believed to have a special relationship with God that allows them to hear from God. This relationship is commonly represented as a calling from God to report what they hear to common people who do not have such a spiritual relationship.<\/p>\n

This pattern has been in place since Mt. Sinai when Israel told Moses that he should hear God’s voice and report to them what he hears. <\/a>The people intentionally distanced themselves from God when they choose to listen to Moses instead of hearing directly from God.\u00a0 Fear of death was more important to them than obeying God’s commands to listen to his voice. This was a big mistake for Israel then, and it is still a big mistake for everyone who chooses to listen to a prophet instead of listening to God’s voice. They do not understand that listening to a prophet is not the same as listening to God who might tell them things they do not want to hear. They are much more comfortable listening to a mediator\/prophet. Moses did this, of course, but this pattern of using a human mediator was never God’s preferred method of communicating with his people. It was the Old\/First Covenant pattern that was replaced by the New Covenant pattern in which God speaks directly to the hearts of his people through his Spirit. <\/a><\/p>\n

Therefore, New Covenant disciples do not need a human mediator to hear and interpret God’s word for them. There is only one mediator between God and man and that is the Messiah who is the only one qualified to interpret God’s word. Any human who represents that he\/she is qualified and necessary to perform that interpreter\/mediator function is a false messiah.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

CONDITIONS FOR BEING ABLE TO HEAR GOD’S VOICE<\/strong>
\nThe ability to hear God’s voice does not come naturally to religious people who are accustomed and trained to seek out religious leaders for religious instruction. This tendency to listen to human mediators to learn about God instead of listening to God himself is a big problem for God who jealously holds onto his demand that his people love him with all their heart, mind soul and strength<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It easy for religious people to accept that God’s jealousy is aroused when his people follow other gods<\/a>. What religious people do not understand, however, that the other gods to whom God is referring are those human mediators\/teachers whom they seek out for teaching about God. These mediators\/teachers are, in God’s eyes, other gods, idols and false prophets.<\/p>\n

The best way to appreciate God’s attitude about his people taking instruction from other gods is to think in terms of human parents who would naturally expect that their children would obey them. They would naturally be angry if their children preferred to obey another person who is not the parent instead of obeying them, the ones who gave them life and provided for them. Predictably, parents of such disobedient, rebellious children would be jealous and angry with the child and with the other persons who willfully insert themselves between the parent and child. Such persons, in effect, become other parents when they function as the parent.<\/p>\n

This is how God regards religious leaders who presume to teach God’s children about God and his ways. They are not other parents, but they are other gods. It is no wonder, therefore, that God, the real parent of spiritual children, is angry with both his children and the other Gods. It is no wonder, therefore, that God wants to destroy religion because religion is the social context in which this alternative parenting exists and is promoted. It is no wonder, therefore, that God commands that the locations where this alternative religion is practiced<\/a>, be torn down<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The tearing down of religion is something that religious people must do. In fact, it is a command from God that they tear down idols, high places and altars<\/a> where they personally worship. Because this is symbolic language, however, God is not instructing his people to physically tear down these physical places. Rather, he instructs his people to remove them from places of importance in their hearts. It is an application of the two masters principle<\/a>. We either serve religion, or we serve God. We either learn the truth about God from God directly, or we open ourselves to deception from false prophets. It is a life or death decision that we choose<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In Biblical language, making the switch from serving other gods (i.e. religion) is called death in which we voluntarily quit being religious. The first step in this dying process is to stop seeking and receiving instruction about God from other gods and false prophets. It is also necessary to repent for having worshiped other gods by elevating them to places of importance above God by listening to them instead of listening to God. After that, we must suffer through the agonizing process of putting our Old\/First Covenant religious life to death on the way to becoming New Covenant disciples. God calls the process death and resurrection<\/a>.<\/p>\n

After we realize that we must endure this process, the first thing we must do is to stop listening to human mediators. Consider this scripture as a warning:<\/p>\n

Ezekiel 14:2-11<\/a>: And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, <\/span> 3 “Son of man, these men have <\/span>set<\/span> up their idols in their hearts and have put right before their faces the stumbling block of their iniquity. Should I be consulted by them at all ? <\/span> 4 “Therefore <\/span>speak<\/span> to them and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Any man of the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his heart, puts right before his face the stumbling block of his iniquity, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will be brought to give him an answ<\/span>er<\/span> in <\/span>the matt<\/span>er in view of the multitude of his idols, <\/span> 5 in order to lay hol<\/span>d<\/span> of the <\/span>he<\/span>arts of the house of Israel who are estranged from Me through all their idols.”‘ <\/span> 6 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord <\/span><\/span>GOD<\/span>, “Repent and turn away from your idols and turn your faces away from all your abominations. <\/span> 7 “For anyone of the house of Israel or of the <\/a>immigrants who stay in Israel who separates himself from Me, sets up his idols in his heart, puts right before his face the stumbling block of his iniquity, and then comes to the prophet to inquire of Me for himself, <\/a>I the LORD will be brought to answer him in My own person. <\/span> 8 “I will <\/a>set My face against that man and make him a <\/a>sign and <\/a>a proverb, and I will cut him off from among My people. So you will know that I am the LORD. <\/span> 9 “But if the prophet is <\/a>prevailed upon to speak a word, it is I, the LORD, who have <\/a>prevailed upon that prophet, and I will stretch out My hand against him and <\/a>destroy him from among My people Israel. <\/span> 10 “They will bear the punishment of their iniquity ; as the iniquity of the inquirer is, so the iniquity of the prophet will be, <\/span> 11 in order that the house of Israel may no longer <\/a>stray from Me and no longer <\/a>defile themselves with all their transgressions. Thus they will be <\/a>My people, and I shall be their God,”‘ declares the Lord GOD.” <\/span><\/p>\n

This scripture is a warning to everyone who has ever listened to a sermon or read a book by a religious leader. Whether that religious leader called himself or herself a prophet or not is immaterial. In God’s language, anyone who presumes to speak for God or teach about God, is a prophet.<\/a><\/p>\n

Basically this scripture says that seeking instruction from a prophet (i.e. human mediator) is idolatry. And\u00a0 we know how God feels about idolatry. So the first thing that anyone who desires to hear directly from God must do is stop listening to his or her idols. That means no more going to church or synagogue or reading books or any other of the common ways by which people presume to teach others about God.<\/p>\n

God feels so strongly about idols that he will allow people to listen to them and suffer the consequences for their idolatry. He knows that sooner or later they will be forced to turn to him and repent, and he is willing to wait until they are ready to repent for their idolatry, change their ways, and listen to him.<\/p>\n

AUTHORS’ NOTE: See\u00a0Religion is Idolatry for more about idolatry.<\/p>\n


\nHEARING THE VOICE OF GOD<\/strong><\/p>\n

Exodus 18:17-24<\/a>: Moses’<\/span> father-in-law<\/span> said<\/span> to him, “The thing<\/span> that you are doing<\/span> is not good<\/span>. <\/span> 18<\/span> “<\/a>You will surely<\/span> wear<\/span> out, both<\/span> yourself<\/span> and <\/a>these<\/span> people<\/span> who<\/span> are with you, for the <\/a>task<\/span> is too<\/span> heavy<\/span> for you; <\/a>you cannot<\/span> do<\/span> it alone<\/span>. <\/span> 19<\/span> “Now<\/span> listen<\/span> to <\/a>me: I will give<\/span> you counsel<\/span>, and God<\/span> be with you. <\/a>You be the people’s<\/span> representative before<\/span> God<\/span>, and you <\/a>bring<\/span> the <\/a>disputes<\/span> to God<\/span>, <\/span> 20<\/span> <\/a>then teach<\/span> them the statutes<\/span> and the laws<\/span>, and make<\/span> known<\/span> to them <\/a>the way<\/span> in which they are to walk<\/span> and the work<\/span> they are to do<\/span>. <\/span> 21<\/span> “Furthermore, you shall <\/a>select<\/span> out of all<\/span> the people<\/span> <\/a>able<\/span> men<\/span> <\/a>who fear<\/span> God<\/span>, men<\/span> of truth<\/span>, those who <\/a>hate<\/span> dishonest<\/span> gain<\/span> ; and you shall place<\/span> these over<\/span> them as leaders<\/span> of thousands<\/span>, <\/a>of hundreds<\/span>, <\/a>of fifties<\/span> and <\/a>of tens<\/span>. <\/span> 22<\/span> “Let them judge<\/span> the people<\/span> at all<\/span> times<\/span> ; and let it be <\/a>that every<\/span> major<\/span> <\/a>dispute<\/span> they will bring<\/span> to you, but every<\/span> minor<\/span> <\/a>dispute<\/span> they themselves will judge<\/span>. So it will be easier<\/span> for you, and <\/a>they will bear<\/span> the burden with you. <\/span> 23<\/span> “If<\/span> you do<\/span> this<\/span> thing<\/span> and God<\/span> so commands<\/span> you, then you will be able<\/span> to <\/a>endure<\/span>, and all<\/span> <\/a>these<\/span> people<\/span> also<\/span> will go<\/span> to <\/a>their place<\/span> in peace<\/span>.” <\/span> 24<\/span> So Moses<\/span> listened<\/span> <\/a>to his father-in-law<\/span> and did<\/span> all<\/span> that he had said<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Deuteronomy 5:22-33<\/a>:\u00a0 “These<\/span> words<\/span> the LORD<\/span> spoke<\/span> to all<\/span> your assembly<\/span> at the mountain<\/span> from the midst<\/span> of the fire<\/span>, of the cloud<\/span> and of the thick<\/span> gloom<\/span>, with a great<\/span> voice<\/span>, and He added<\/span> no<\/span> more<\/span>. <\/a>He wrote<\/span> them on two<\/span> tablets<\/span> of stone<\/span> and gave<\/span> them to me. <\/span> 23<\/span> “And when you heard<\/span> the voice<\/span> from the midst<\/span> of the darkness<\/span>, while the mountain<\/span> was burning<\/span> with fire<\/span>, you came<\/span> near<\/span> to me, all<\/span> the heads<\/span> of your tribes<\/span> and your elders<\/span>. <\/span> 24<\/span> “You said<\/span>, ‘Behold<\/span>, the LORD<\/span> our God<\/span> has shown<\/span> us His glory<\/span> and His greatness<\/span>, and we have heard<\/span> His voice<\/span> from the midst<\/span> of the fire<\/span> ; we have seen<\/span> today<\/span> that God<\/span> speaks<\/span> with man<\/span>, yet he lives<\/span>. <\/span> 25<\/span> ‘<\/a>Now<\/span> then why<\/span> should we die<\/span> ? For this<\/span> great<\/span> fire<\/span> will consume<\/span> us; if<\/span> we hear<\/span> the voice<\/span> of the LORD<\/span> our God<\/span> any<\/span> longer<\/span>, then we will die<\/span>. <\/span> 26<\/span> ‘For <\/a>who<\/span> is there of all<\/span> flesh<\/span> who<\/span> has heard<\/span> the voice<\/span> of the living<\/span> God<\/span> speaking<\/span> from the midst<\/span> of the fire<\/span>, as we have, and lived<\/span> ? <\/span> 27<\/span> ‘<\/a>Go<\/span> near<\/span> and hear<\/span> all<\/span> that the LORD<\/span> our God<\/span> says<\/span> ; then speak<\/span> to us all<\/span> that the LORD<\/span> our God<\/span> speaks<\/span> to you, and we will hear<\/span> and do<\/span> it.’ <\/span> 28<\/span> “The LORD<\/span> heard<\/span> the voice<\/span> of your words<\/span> when you spoke<\/span> to me, and the LORD<\/span> said<\/span><\/span><\/span> to me, ‘I have <\/span>heard the voice of the words of this people which they have spoken to you. They have done well in all that they have spoken. <\/span> 29 ‘<\/a>Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and <\/a>keep all My commandments always , that <\/a>it may be well with them and with their sons forever ! <\/span> 30 ‘Go, say to them, “Return to your tents.” <\/span> 31 ‘<\/a>But as for you, stand here by Me, that I may speak to you all the commandments and the statutes and the judgments which you shall teach them, that they may observe them in the land which I give them to possess.’ <\/span> 32 “So you shall observe to do just as the LORD your God has commanded you; <\/a>you shall not turn aside to the right or to the left. <\/span> 33 “You shall walk in all the way which the LORD your God has commanded you, <\/span>that you<\/span><\/span> may live<\/span> and that it may be well<\/span> with you, and that you may prolong<\/span> your days<\/span> in the land<\/span> which<\/span> you will possess<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

COMMENTARY:<\/p>\n

Judges 2:11-23<\/a>: Then the sons<\/span> of Israel<\/span> did<\/span> <\/a>evil<\/span> in the sight<\/span> of the LORD<\/span> and <\/a>served<\/span> the <\/a>Baals<\/span>, <\/span> 12<\/span> and <\/a>they forsook<\/span> the LORD<\/span>, the God<\/span> of their fathers<\/span>, who had brought<\/span> them out of the land<\/span> of Egypt<\/span>, and followed<\/span> other<\/span> gods<\/span> from among the gods<\/span> of the peoples<\/span> who<\/span> were around<\/span> them, and bowed<\/span> themselves down<\/span> to them; thus they provoked<\/span> the LORD<\/span> to anger<\/span>. <\/span> 13<\/span> So they forsook<\/span> the LORD<\/span> and <\/a>served<\/span> Baal<\/span> and the Ashtaroth<\/span>. <\/span> 14<\/span> <\/a>The anger<\/span> of the LORD<\/span> burned<\/span> against Israel<\/span>, and He gave<\/span> them into the hands<\/span> of plunderers<\/span> who plundered<\/span> them; and <\/a>He sold<\/span> them into the hands<\/span> of their enemies<\/span> around<\/span> them, so that they could<\/span> no<\/span> longer<\/span> stand<\/span> before<\/span> their enemies<\/span>. <\/span> 15<\/span> Wherever<\/span> they went<\/span>, the hand<\/span> of the LORD<\/span> was against them for evil<\/span>, as the LORD<\/span> had spoken<\/span> and <\/a>as the LORD<\/span> had sworn<\/span> to them, so that they were severely<\/span> distressed<\/span>. <\/span> 16<\/span> <\/a>Then the LORD<\/span> raised<\/span> up judges<\/span> <\/a>who delivered<\/span> them from the hands<\/span> of those who plundered<\/span> them. <\/span> 17<\/span> Yet<\/span> they did not listen<\/span> to their judges<\/span>, for they played<\/span> the harlot<\/span> after<\/span> other<\/span> gods<\/span> and bowed<\/span> themselves down<\/span> to them. They turned<\/span> aside<\/span> quickly<\/span> from the way<\/span> <\/a>in which<\/span> their fathers<\/span> had walked<\/span> in obeying<\/span> the commandments<\/span> of the LORD<\/span> ; they did<\/span> not do<\/span> as their fathers. <\/span> 18<\/span> When<\/span> the LORD<\/span> raised<\/span> up judges<\/span> for them, <\/a>the LORD<\/span> was with the judge<\/span> and delivered<\/span> them from the hand<\/span> of their enemies<\/span> all<\/span> the days<\/span> of the judge<\/span> ; for the LORD<\/span> was <\/a>moved<\/span> to pity<\/span> by their groaning<\/span> because<\/span> of those who oppressed<\/span> and afflicted<\/span> them. <\/span> 19<\/span> But it came<\/span> about when the judge<\/span> died<\/span>, that they would turn<\/span> back<\/span> and act<\/span> more<\/span> corruptly<\/span> than<\/span> their fathers<\/span>, in following<\/span> other<\/span> gods<\/span> to serve<\/span> them and bow<\/span> down<\/span> to them; they did not abandon<\/span> their practices<\/span> or their stubborn<\/span> ways<\/span>. <\/span> 20<\/span> <\/a>So the anger<\/span> of the LORD<\/span> burned<\/span> against Israel<\/span>, and He said<\/span>, “Because<\/span> this<\/span> nation<\/span> has transgressed<\/span> My covenant<\/span> which<\/span> I commanded<\/span> their fathers<\/span> and has not listened<\/span> to My voice<\/span>, <\/span> 21<\/span> <\/a>I also<\/span> will no<\/span> longer<\/span> drive<\/span> out before<\/span> them any<\/span> of the nations<\/span> which<\/span> Joshua<\/span> left<\/span> when he died<\/span>, <\/span> 22<\/span> in order<\/span> to <\/a>test<\/span> Israel<\/span> by them, whether they will keep<\/span> the way<\/span> of the LORD<\/span> to walk<\/span> in it as their fathers<\/span> <\/a>did<\/span>, or<\/span> not.” <\/span> 23<\/span> So the LORD<\/span> allowed those<\/span> nations<\/span> to remain<\/span>, not driving<\/span> them out quickly<\/span> ; and He did not give<\/span> them into the hand<\/span> of Joshua<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Isaiah 30:18-33<\/a>: Therefore<\/span> the LORD<\/span> <\/a><\/a>longs<\/span> to be gracious<\/span> to you, And therefore<\/span> He <\/a>waits<\/span> on <\/a>high<\/span> to have<\/span> compassion<\/span> on you. For the LORD<\/span> is a <\/a>God<\/span> of justice<\/span> ; How blessed<\/span> are all<\/span> those who <\/a><\/a>long<\/span> for Him. <\/span> 19<\/span> <\/a>O people<\/span> in Zion<\/span>, <\/a>inhabitant<\/span> in Jerusalem<\/span>, you will <\/a>weep<\/span> no<\/span> longer<\/span>. He will surely<\/span> be gracious<\/span> to you at the sound<\/span> of your cry<\/span> ; when He hears<\/span> it, He will <\/a>answer<\/span> you. <\/span> 20<\/span> Although the Lord<\/span> has given<\/span> you <\/a>bread<\/span> of privation<\/span> and water<\/span> of oppression<\/span>, He, your Teacher<\/span> will no<\/span> longer<\/span> <\/a>hide<\/span> Himself, but your eyes<\/span> will behold<\/span> your Teacher<\/span>. <\/span> 21<\/span> Your ears<\/span> will hear<\/span> a word<\/span> behind<\/span> you, “<\/a>This<\/span> is the <\/a>way<\/span>, walk<\/span> in it,” whenever<\/span> you <\/a>turn<\/span> to the right<\/span> or to the left<\/span>. <\/span> 22<\/span> And you will defile<\/span> your graven<\/span> <\/a>images<\/span> overlaid<\/span> with silver<\/span>, and your molten<\/span> <\/a>images<\/span> plated<\/span> with gold<\/span>. You will scatter<\/span> them as an impure<\/span> thing<\/span>, and say<\/span> to <\/a>them, “<\/a>Be gone<\/span> !” <\/span> 23<\/span> Then He will <\/a>give<\/span> you rain<\/span> for <\/a>the seed<\/span> which<\/span> you will sow<\/span> in the ground<\/span>, and bread<\/span> from the yield<\/span> of the ground<\/span>, and it will be <\/a>rich<\/span> and <\/a>plenteous<\/span> ; on that day<\/span> <\/a>your livestock<\/span> will graze<\/span> in a roomy<\/span> pasture<\/span>. <\/span> 24<\/span> Also the oxen<\/span> and the donkeys<\/span> which work<\/span> the ground<\/span> will eat<\/span> salted<\/span> fodder<\/span>, which<\/span> <\/a>has been <\/a>winnowed<\/span> with shovel<\/span> and fork<\/span>. <\/span> 25<\/span> On every<\/span> lofty<\/span> mountain<\/span> and on <\/a>every<\/span> high<\/span> hill<\/span> there will be <\/a>streams<\/span> running<\/span> with water<\/span> on the day<\/span> of the great<\/span> <\/a>slaughter<\/span>, when the towers<\/span> fall<\/span>. <\/span> 26<\/span> <\/a>The light<\/span> of the moon<\/span> will be as the light<\/span> of the sun<\/span>, and the light<\/span> of the sun<\/span> will be seven<\/span> times<\/span> brighter, like the light<\/span> of seven<\/span> days<\/span>, on the day<\/span> <\/a>the LORD<\/span> binds<\/span> up the <\/a>fracture<\/span> of His people<\/span> and <\/a>heals<\/span> the bruise<\/span> <\/a>He has inflicted<\/span>. <\/span> 27<\/span> Behold<\/span>, <\/a>the name<\/span> of the LORD<\/span> comes<\/span> from a <\/a>remote<\/span> place<\/span> ; <\/a>Burning<\/span> is His anger<\/span> and <\/a>dense<\/span> is His <\/a>smoke<\/span> ; His lips<\/span> are filled<\/span> with <\/a>indignation<\/span> And His tongue<\/span> is like a <\/a>consuming<\/span> fire<\/span> ; <\/span> 28<\/span> His <\/a>breath<\/span> is like an overflowing<\/span> torrent<\/span>, Which <\/a>reaches<\/span> to the neck<\/span>, To <\/a>shake<\/span> the nations<\/span> back<\/span> and forth<\/span> in a <\/a>sieve<\/span>, And to put in the jaws<\/span> of the peoples<\/span> <\/a>the bridle<\/span> which <\/a>leads<\/span> to ruin<\/span>. <\/span> 29<\/span> You will have<\/span> <\/a>songs<\/span> as in the night<\/span> when you keep<\/span> the festival<\/span>, And gladness<\/span> of heart<\/span> as when one marches<\/span> to the sound of the flute<\/span>, To go<\/span> to the mountain<\/span> of the LORD<\/span>, to the Rock<\/span> of Israel<\/span>. <\/span> 30<\/span> And the LORD<\/span> will cause His voice<\/span> of authority<\/span> to be heard<\/span>, <\/span>And the <\/span>descending of His arm to be seen in fierce anger, And in the flame of a consuming fire In cloudburst, downpour and hailstones. <\/span> 31 For <\/a>at the voice of the LORD <\/a>Assyria will be terrified, When He strikes with the <\/a>rod. <\/span> 32 And every <\/a>blow of the <\/a><\/a>rod of punishment, Which the LORD will lay on him, Will be with the music of <\/a>tambourines and lyres ; And in battles, <\/a>brandishing weapons, He will fight them. <\/span> 33 For Topheth has long been ready, Indeed, it has been prepared for the king. He has made it deep and large, A pyre of fire with plenty of wood ; The breath of the LORD, like a torrent of <\/span>brimstone<\/span>, sets it afire. <\/span><\/p>\n

Isaiah 35<\/a>: The wilderness and the desert<\/span> will <\/span>be glad<\/span>, And the Arabah<\/span> will rejoice<\/span> and blossom<\/span> ; Like the crocus<\/span> <\/span> 2<\/span> It will <\/a>blossom<\/span> profusely<\/span> And <\/a>rejoice<\/span> with rejoicing<\/span> and shout<\/span> of joy<\/span>. The <\/a>glory<\/span> of Lebanon<\/span> will be given<\/span> to it, The majesty<\/span> of <\/a>Carmel<\/span> and Sharon<\/span>. They will see<\/span> the <\/a>glory<\/span> of the LORD<\/span>, The majesty<\/span> of our God<\/span>. <\/span> 3<\/span> <\/a>Encourage<\/span> the <\/a>exhausted<\/span>, and strengthen<\/span> the <\/a>feeble<\/span> . <\/span> 4<\/span> Say<\/span> to those with <\/a>anxious<\/span> heart<\/span>, “Take<\/span> courage<\/span>, fear<\/span> not. Behold<\/span>, your God<\/span> will come<\/span> with <\/a>vengeance<\/span> ; The <\/a>recompense<\/span> of God<\/span> will come<\/span>, But He will <\/a>save<\/span> you.” <\/span> 5<\/span> Then<\/span> the <\/a>eyes<\/span> of the blind<\/span> will be opened<\/span> And the ears<\/span> of the deaf<\/span> will be unstopped<\/span>. <\/span> 6<\/span> Then<\/span> the <\/a>lame<\/span> will leap<\/span> like a deer<\/span>, And the <\/a>tongue<\/span> of the mute<\/span> will shout<\/span> for joy<\/span>. For waters<\/span> will break<\/span> forth<\/span> in the <\/a>wilderness<\/span> And streams<\/span> in the <\/a>Arabah<\/span>. <\/span> 7<\/span> The <\/a>scorched<\/span> land<\/span> will become<\/span> a pool<\/span> And the thirsty<\/span> ground<\/span> <\/a>springs<\/span> of water<\/span> ; In the <\/a>haunt<\/span> of jackals<\/span>, its resting<\/span> place<\/span>, Grass<\/span> becomes reeds<\/span> and rushes<\/span>. <\/span> 8<\/span> <\/a>A highway<\/span> will be there<\/span>, <\/a>a roadway<\/span>, And it will be called<\/span> the Highway<\/span> of <\/a>Holiness<\/span>. The unclean<\/span> will not travel<\/span> on it, But it will be for him who walks<\/span> that way<\/span>, And <\/a>fools<\/span> will not wander<\/span> on it. <\/span> 9<\/span> No<\/span> <\/a>lion<\/span> will be there<\/span>, Nor<\/span> will any vicious<\/span> beast<\/span> go<\/span> up on it; <\/a>These will not be found<\/span> there<\/span>. But <\/a>the redeemed<\/span> will walk<\/span> there, <\/span> 10<\/span> And <\/a>the ransomed<\/span> of the LORD<\/span> will return<\/span> And come<\/span> with joyful<\/span> shouting<\/span> to Zion<\/span>, With everlasting<\/span> joy<\/span> upon their heads<\/span>. They will <\/a>find<\/span> gladness<\/span> and joy<\/span>, And <\/a>sorrow<\/span> and sighing<\/span> will flee<\/span> away<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Isaiah 42:14-25<\/a>: “<\/a>I have kept<\/span> silent<\/span> for a long<\/span> time<\/span>, I have kept<\/span> still<\/span> and restrained<\/span> Myself. Now like a woman in labor<\/span> I will groan<\/span>, I will both<\/span> gasp<\/span> and pant<\/span>. <\/span> 15<\/span> “I will <\/a>lay<\/span> waste<\/span> the mountains<\/span> and hills<\/span> And wither<\/span> all<\/span> their vegetation<\/span> ; I will <\/a>make<\/span> the rivers<\/span> into coastlands<\/span> And dry<\/span> up the ponds<\/span>. <\/span> 16<\/span> “I will <\/a>lead<\/span> the blind<\/span> by a way<\/span> they do not know<\/span>, In paths<\/span> they do not know<\/span> I will guide<\/span> them. I will <\/a>make<\/span> darkness<\/span> into light<\/span> before<\/span> them And <\/a>rugged<\/span> places<\/span> into plains<\/span>. These<\/span> are the things<\/span> I will do<\/span>, And I will <\/a>not leave<\/span> them undone<\/span>.” <\/span> 17<\/span> They will be turned<\/span> back<\/span> and be <\/a>utterly<\/span> put<\/span> to shame<\/span>, Who trust<\/span> in <\/a>idols<\/span>, Who say<\/span> to molten<\/span> images<\/span>, “You are our gods<\/span>.” <\/span> 18<\/span> <\/a>Hear<\/span>, you deaf<\/span> ! And look<\/span>, you blind<\/span>, that you may see<\/span>. <\/span> 19<\/span> Who<\/span> is blind<\/span> but My <\/a>servant<\/span>, Or so deaf<\/span> as My <\/a>messenger<\/span> whom I send<\/span> ? Who<\/span> is so blind<\/span> as he that is <\/a><\/a>at peace<\/span> with Me, Or so blind<\/span> as the servant<\/span> of the LORD<\/span> ? <\/span> 20<\/span> <\/a>You have seen<\/span> many<\/span> things<\/span>, but you do not observe<\/span> them; Your ears<\/span> are open<\/span>, but none<\/span> hears<\/span>. <\/span> 21<\/span> The LORD<\/span> was pleased<\/span> for His righteousness’<\/span> sake<\/span> To make<\/span> the law<\/span> <\/a>great<\/span> and glorious<\/span>. <\/span> 22<\/span> But this<\/span> is a people<\/span> plundered<\/span> and despoiled<\/span> ; All<\/span> of them are <\/a>trapped<\/span> in <\/a>caves<\/span>, Or are <\/a>hidden<\/span> away in prisons<\/span> ; They have become<\/span> a prey<\/span> with none<\/span> to deliver<\/span> them, And a spoil<\/span>, with none<\/span> to say<\/span>, “Give<\/span> them back<\/span> !” <\/span> 23<\/span> Who<\/span> among you will give<\/span> ear<\/span> to this<\/span> ? Who will give<\/span> heed<\/span> and listen<\/span> hereafter<\/span> ? <\/span> 24<\/span> Who<\/span> gave<\/span> Jacob<\/span> up for spoil<\/span>, and Israel<\/span> to plunderers<\/span> ? Was it not the LORD<\/span>, against whom<\/span> we have sinned<\/span>, And in whose ways<\/span> they <\/a>were not willing<\/span> to walk<\/span>, And whose law<\/span> they did not <\/a>obey<\/span> ? <\/span> 25<\/span> So He poured<\/span> out on him the heat<\/span> of His anger<\/span> And the <\/a>fierceness<\/span> of battle<\/span> ; And it set<\/span> him aflame<\/span> all<\/span> around<\/span>, Yet he did not recognize<\/span> it; And it burned<\/span> him, but he <\/a><\/a>paid<\/span> no<\/span> attention<\/span> . <\/span><\/p>\n

Jeremiah 42<\/a>: Then all<\/span> the <\/a>commanders<\/span> of the forces<\/span>, <\/a>Johanan<\/span> the son<\/span> of Kareah<\/span>, Jezaniah<\/span> the son<\/span> of Hoshaiah<\/span>, and all<\/span> the people<\/span> <\/a>both<\/span> small<\/span> and great<\/span> approached<\/span> <\/span> 2<\/span> and said<\/span> to Jeremiah<\/span> the prophet<\/span>, “Please<\/span> let our <\/a>petition<\/span> <\/a>come<\/span> before<\/span> you, and <\/a>pray<\/span> for us to the LORD<\/span> your God<\/span>, that is for all<\/span> this<\/span> remnant<\/span> ; because<\/span> we are left<\/span> but a <\/a>few<\/span> out of many<\/span>, as your own eyes<\/span> now see<\/span> us, <\/span> 3<\/span> that the LORD<\/span> your God<\/span> may tell<\/span> us the <\/a>way<\/span> in which<\/span> we should walk<\/span> and the thing<\/span> that we should do<\/span>.” <\/span> 4<\/span> Then Jeremiah<\/span> the prophet<\/span> said<\/span> to them, “I have heard<\/span> you. Behold<\/span>, I am going to <\/a>pray<\/span> to the LORD<\/span> your God<\/span> in accordance with your words<\/span> ; and I will tell<\/span> you the whole<\/span> <\/a>message<\/span> which<\/span> the <\/a>LORD<\/span> will answer<\/span> you. I will <\/a>not keep<\/span> back<\/span> a word<\/span> from you.” <\/span> 5<\/span> Then they said<\/span> to Jeremiah<\/span>, “May the <\/a>LORD<\/span> be a true<\/span> and faithful<\/span> witness<\/span> against us if<\/span> we do not act<\/span> in accordance with the whole<\/span> <\/a>message<\/span> with which<\/span> the LORD<\/span> your God<\/span> will send<\/span> you to us. <\/span> 6<\/span> “Whether<\/span> it is <\/a>pleasant<\/span> or<\/span> <\/a>unpleasant<\/span>, we will <\/a>listen<\/span> to the voice<\/span> of the LORD<\/span> our God<\/span> to whom<\/span> we are sending<\/span> you, so<\/span> that it may go<\/span> <\/a>well<\/span> with us when<\/span> we listen<\/span> to the voice<\/span> of the LORD<\/span> our God<\/span>.” <\/span> 7<\/span> Now at the <\/a>end<\/span> of ten<\/span> days<\/span> the word<\/span> of the LORD<\/span> came<\/span> to Jeremiah<\/span>. <\/span> 8<\/span> Then he called<\/span> for Johanan<\/span> the son<\/span> of Kareah<\/span> and all<\/span> the <\/a>commanders<\/span> of the forces<\/span> that were with him, and for all<\/span> the people<\/span> both<\/span> small<\/span> and great<\/span>, <\/span> 9<\/span> and said<\/span> to them, “Thus<\/span> <\/a>says<\/span> the LORD<\/span> the God<\/span> of Israel<\/span>, to whom<\/span> you sent<\/span> me to present<\/span> your petition<\/span> before<\/span> Him: <\/span> 10<\/span> ‘If<\/span> you will indeed<\/span> stay<\/span> in this<\/span> land<\/span>, then I will <\/a>build<\/span> you up and not tear<\/span> you down<\/span>, and I will plant<\/span> you and not uproot<\/span> you; for I <\/a>will <\/a>relent<\/span> concerning<\/span> the calamity<\/span> that I have inflicted<\/span> on you. <\/span> 11<\/span> ‘<\/a>Do not be afraid<\/span> of the king<\/span> of Babylon<\/span>, whom<\/span> you are now fearing<\/span> ; do not be afraid<\/span> of him,’ declares<\/span> the LORD<\/span>, ‘for <\/a>I am with you to save<\/span> you and deliver<\/span> you from his hand<\/span>. <\/span> 12<\/span> ‘I will also show<\/span> you compassion<\/span>, so that <\/a>he will have<\/span> compassion<\/span> on you and restore<\/span> you to your own soil<\/span>. <\/span> 13<\/span> ‘But if<\/span> you are going to say<\/span>, “We will <\/a>not stay<\/span> in this<\/span> land<\/span>,” so as not to listen<\/span> to the voice<\/span> of the LORD<\/span> your God<\/span>, <\/span> 14<\/span> saying<\/span>, “No<\/span>, but we will <\/a>go<\/span> to the land<\/span> of Egypt<\/span>, where<\/span> we will not see<\/span> war<\/span> or <\/a>hear<\/span> the sound<\/span> of a trumpet<\/span> or hunger<\/span> for bread<\/span>, and we will stay<\/span> there<\/span> “; <\/span> 15<\/span> then <\/a>in that case<\/span> listen<\/span> to the word<\/span> of the LORD<\/span>, O remnant<\/span> of Judah<\/span>. Thus<\/span> says<\/span> the LORD<\/span> of hosts<\/span>, the God<\/span> of Israel<\/span>, “If<\/span> you really<\/span> set<\/span> your <\/a>mind<\/span> to enter<\/span> <\/a>Egypt<\/span> and go<\/span> in to reside<\/span> there<\/span>, <\/span> 16<\/span> then the <\/a>sword<\/span>, which<\/span> you are afraid<\/span> of, will overtake<\/span> you there<\/span> in the land<\/span> of Egypt<\/span> ; and the famine<\/span>, about which<\/span> you are anxious<\/span>, will follow<\/span> closely<\/span> after<\/span> you there<\/span> in Egypt<\/span>, and you will die<\/span> there<\/span>. <\/span> 17<\/span> “So all<\/span> the men<\/span> who<\/span> set<\/span> their <\/a>mind<\/span> to go<\/span> to Egypt<\/span> to reside<\/span> there<\/span> will die<\/span> by the <\/a>sword<\/span>, by famine<\/span> and by pestilence<\/span> ; and they will <\/a>have<\/span> no<\/span> survivors<\/span> or refugees<\/span> from the calamity<\/span> that I am going to bring<\/span> on them.””‘ <\/span> 18<\/span> For thus<\/span> says<\/span> the LORD<\/span> of hosts<\/span>, the God<\/span> of Israel<\/span>, “As My <\/a>anger<\/span> and wrath<\/span> have been poured<\/span> out on the inhabitants<\/span> of Jerusalem<\/span>, so<\/span> My wrath<\/span> will be poured<\/span> out on you when you enter<\/span> Egypt<\/span>. And you will become<\/span> a <\/a>curse<\/span>, an object<\/span> of horror<\/span>, an imprecation<\/span> and a reproach<\/span> ; and <\/a>you will see<\/span> this<\/span> place<\/span> no<\/span> more<\/span>.” <\/span> 19<\/span> The LORD<\/span> has spoken<\/span> to you, O remnant<\/span> of Judah<\/span>, “Do not <\/a>go<\/span> into Egypt<\/span> !” You should clearly<\/span> <\/a>understand<\/span> that today<\/span> I have <\/a>testified<\/span> against you. <\/span> 20<\/span> For you have only <\/a><\/a>deceived<\/span> yourselves<\/span> ; for it is you who sent<\/span> me to the LORD<\/span> your God<\/span>, saying<\/span>, “Pray<\/span> for us to the LORD<\/span> our God<\/span> ; and whatever<\/span> the LORD<\/span> our God<\/span> says<\/span>, tell<\/span> us so<\/span>, and we will do<\/span> it.” <\/span> 21<\/span> So I have <\/a>told<\/span> you today<\/span>, but you have <\/a>not <\/a>obeyed<\/span> the LORD<\/span> your God<\/span>, even in whatever<\/span> He has sent<\/span> me to tell you. <\/span> 22<\/span> Therefore you should now<\/span> clearly<\/span> understand<\/span> that you will <\/a>die<\/span> by the sword<\/span>, by famine<\/span> and by pestilence<\/span>, in the <\/a>place<\/span> where<\/span> you wish<\/span> to go<\/span> to reside<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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THE VOICE OF GOD SHOWS THE RIGHT WAY<\/strong>
\nSince the time of Israel’s wandering in the wilderness, men have been depending on the written law for instruction about God. For religious people it sounds good and righteous to trust in the Torah and the Bible. Those who have put their trust in the written word will be surprised to learn that God actually wants his people to trust him to teach them directly.<\/p>\n

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Psalm 118:8-9<\/a>: It i<\/span>s <\/span>better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in man. <\/span> 9 It is better to take <\/span>r<\/span>efuge<\/span> in the LORD<\/span> Than<\/span> to trust<\/span> in princes<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

COMMENTARY: Kings, Queens and Princes are human religious leaders who have established religious ministries (i.e. personal kingdoms) for themselves. They do this mainly through teaching from the Bible. In God’s eyes, this is the equivalent of setting themselves up as gods for others to follow. People who join themselves with these religious leaders therefore become idolaters.<\/p>\n

Being an idolater, of course, is not the right way. The way to avoid idolatry is to stop putting trust in human religious leaders and begin trusting God. There are many ways to trust God, of course, but it all begins by trusting that he will speak to us directly by through his Spirit.<\/p>\n

If we continue to seek to learn about God from human mediators such as pastors, rabbis and prophets, we show that we trust them more than we trust God. New Covenant disciples believe that they will no longer need any human to teach them because God will teach them everything they need to know through his Spirit.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/a>People who trust human mediators to teach them about God are living in the Wilderness. They do not live in the Promised Land<\/a> where they hear God’s spoken voice.<\/p>\n

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Isaiah 40:1-8<\/a>: Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. <\/span> 2<\/span> Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. <\/span> 3<\/span> A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. <\/span> 4<\/span> Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. <\/span> 5<\/span> And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” <\/span> 6<\/span> A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. <\/span> 7<\/span> The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people is grass. <\/span> 8<\/span> The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Matthew 3:3: <\/span><\/span><\/a>For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, “THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT !’ “<\/span><\/p>\n

COMMENTARY: See Commentary in John 1:23 below.<\/div>\n
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Mark 1:3: <\/span><\/span><\/a>THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT. <\/span>‘ <\/span>“<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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COMMENTARY: See Commentary in John 1:23 below.<\/div>\n

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Luke 3:4<\/a>: <\/span>as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT. <\/span><\/p>\n

COMMENTARY: See Commentary in John 1:23 below.<\/p>\n

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John 1:23<\/a>: He said, “I am A VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD,’ as Isaiah the prophet said<\/a>.”<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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COMMENTARY ON SCRIPTURES ABOUT THE WILDERNESS: John the baptist is quoting the prophet Isaiah who is crying out passionately to religious people with a strong appeal to stop practicing defiled religion and start practicing pure religion.<\/a><\/p>\n

The wilderness is a symbolic place where people practice legalistic religion<\/a> based on literal interpretations<\/a> of the Bible taught by false prophets<\/a>. The call to exit the wilderness and enter the promised land is God’s call to quit religion<\/a> and become New Covenant<\/a> disciples <\/a>.<\/p>\n

The wilderness of religion is the bumpy, twisted, dry, way of fleshly<\/a> religion that must be leveled out and made straight and smooth. When this happens, religious people will cease receiving knowledge of God through Pastors, Priests, Rabbis, Apostles, Bishops, Elders, Deacons, Overseers, Rabbis, Popes, Missionaries and Evangelists<\/a> who are all false prophets<\/a>. And from that point forward they will worship God in spirit and truth<\/a>.<\/p>\n

False prophets establish their kingdoms in the wilderness where they recruit people to follow them and pay them for their teaching or writing<\/a>. False prophets worship with their lips only and not with their hearts.<\/a><\/p>\n

People who exit the wilderness only listen to true prophets <\/a>who teach New Covenant<\/a> disciples <\/a>how to listen to God’s voice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

John 12:42-43<\/a>: Nevertheless many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: <\/span> 43<\/span> for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.<\/span><\/p>\n

COMMENTARY: This scripture talks about people who heard and understood what Jesus was saying about the Old\/First Covenant being replaced by the New Covenant. Even though they knew the truth, however, they were not willing to sacrifice their positions and income. They were double-minded<\/a> men who decided to continue practicing Old\/First Covenant Defiled Religion instead of Pure Religion<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/a>John 14:5-6: <\/span><\/span><\/a>Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way ?” <\/span> 6<\/span> Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

COMMENTARY: Christians wrongly interpret this verse to mean that the man Jesus is the way to God and eternal life.<\/a> Thus they call themselves Christians, worship Jesus, pray to him, trust him for salvation and build their religion around him.<\/p>\n

STUDY TIP: See this link for an inventory of Christian beliefs and practices.<\/a><\/p>\n

Christians ignore and\/or willfully neglect that the only thing special about Jesus was the fact that he was anointed<\/a> by God to speak God’s words<\/a>. This verse should be interpreted as follows:<\/p>\n

My words are the way to truth and eternal life. You will know God when you understand my words.<\/em><\/p>\n

This interpretation reflects the fact that Jesus spoke God’s words<\/a>. He was a mediator between God and man<\/a>, but he was not God. This interpretation reflects the following facts:<\/p>\n