The Signs of the Times, vol. 21

June 27, 1895

“How Do You Hear?” The Signs of the Times, 21, 25.

E. J. Waggoner

How Do You Hear? —“Take heed what ye hear.” Mark 4:24. These are the words of the Saviour, and they are as important now as when first uttered. SITI June 27, 1895, page 285.1

But what shall we hear? This is answered by the directions as to what we are not to hear. “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” Proverbs 19:27. SITI June 27, 1895, page 285.2

Thus we are to hear the words of knowledge. And what words are they? Again we read: “For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6. The words of the Lord, therefore, are the words of knowledge. SITI June 27, 1895, page 285.3

In Christ are hid “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3. He speaks the words of knowledge, because he speaks only the words of God. “He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God.” John 3:34. Therefore the word of God concerning Christ is, “Hear him.” Luke 9:35. His words are God’s words, and we are to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. All other words are worse than useless. SITI June 27, 1895, page 285.4

But there is still another exhortation as important as the other. It is this: “Take heed therefore how ye hear.” Luke 8:18. A man may hear the right thing, and yet not be profited, because he does not hear in the right way. How then shall we hear? SITI June 27, 1895, page 285.5

In the first place, we should hear with gladness. The angels in heaven hearken to the voice of God’s word. Psalm 103:20. They listen attentively, lest any word should escape them. SITI June 27, 1895, page 285.6

In the second place, they listen for the purpose of obeying. They “do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Whoever listens in this way will have no difficulty in understanding what he hears, for “if any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.” SITI June 27, 1895, page 285.7

Lastly, it is important that we hear so attentively that we do not forget. There are some from whom the word is snatched away as soon as it is heard. Then it does them no good. “But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” 1 John 2:5. We are to hold the word. Where?—In our hearts. Let it remain there, so that its life will permeate every portion of the being, and it will make you “perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” E. J. W. SITI June 27, 1895, page 285.8

“‘Thou God Seest Me’” The Signs of the Times, 21, 25.

E. J. Waggoner

“And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:61, 62. SITI June 27, 1895, page 386.1

Consider what was wrought by that look of Jesus. It reminded Peter of his sin. It awoke in him a consciousness of guilt. With that consciousness of sin came contrition. He went out, and wept bitterly. That was also wrought by the look. But “the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17. Therefore that look which carried conviction and contrition, also brought forgiveness. For “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. SITI June 27, 1895, page 386.2

There is healing power in the look of the Lord. Even the beasts are troubled when the Lord hides his face from them. Psalm 104:29. How much more then must men be troubled when they do not walk in the light of his countenance. SITI June 27, 1895, page 386.3

There is also salvation from sin in the Lord’s look. When Daniel prayed for his people, he said, “Open thine eyes, and behold our desolations.” Daniel 9:18. And also, “Cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate.” Verse 17. So the psalmist says, “Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.” Psalm 80:3, 7, 19. SITI June 27, 1895, page 387.1

Sin cannot endure the presence of the Lord. “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil.” Habakkuk 1:13. So, as the bright sunlight destroys disease germs, the light of God’s countenance destroys the seeds of sin. What a comfort, then, to be able to say, “Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins, in the light of thy countenance.” Psalm 90:8. When the light of his countenance shines upon them, they vanish. SITI June 27, 1895, page 387.2

We need not be afraid to have the Lord see us. Rather should we rejoice that he condescends to look upon us. One of the most blessed promises in the Bible is this: “To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2. SITI June 27, 1895, page 387.3

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” SITI June 27, 1895, page 387.4