If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians:
for I am the LORD that healeth thee. -Exodus 15:26
If you were raised to know the Lord, but you're slack in your studying of the Word, then all of the church attendance, catechism classes, and sacraments you went through were probably in vain.
God promises his people grace and mercy, but do we love Him enough to turn our lives Godward and to discover his promises to us?
If we say we believe, then we should be diligent in our studies, deliberate in our worship, and active in our faith. If we call ourselves Christians, then our identity is Jesus Christ, above all else. This is what sets us apart from the world.
The Lord put a difference between Israel and the Egyptians. -Exodus 11:7
And so, we must diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD, not just passively hear it and hope he works his “magic”. Observe the mercy he’s shown you in your own life, search his Word daily for direction, and bring your sins to Lord Jesus as often as is necessary.
Being a covenant member means ever-striving to obtain the promises of God, not through empty works and rituals, but through unwavering faith that the Lord will be true to his Word. He promised to shield us from his wrath and to blot out our transgressions, just as he promised the children of Israel while they were in Egypt, to protect them from disease and to be their healer.
It's a wonder that Lord offers such grace and mercy to his people in spite of our unworthiness, but Glory be, he loves us!
May we diligently hearken to His voice, study to show ourselves approved, and apply our hearts to understanding.
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
-Proverbs 2:1-5
Question 160 of the Westminster Larger Catechism asks: What is required of those that hear the word preached?
It is required of those that hear the word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, preparation, and prayer; examine what they hear by the Scriptures; receive the truth with faith, love, meekness, and readiness of mind, as the Word of God; meditate, and confer of it; hide it in their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives.
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