Personal Hearing
“We have heard Him ourselves” (John 4:42).
At times second-hand information may be true, good, and even very helpful. Still, to have first-hand information is even better. First-hand acquaintance with Christ is essential not only to salvation, but also to growth and development in our spiritual life as believers.
To get to know a person well, we must be often in their company. As a young man, the Apostle Paul, on the road to Damascus, had a personal encounter with Christ and had heard Him, yet he later wrote, longingly, “that I may know Him” (Philippians 3:10). This was the constant desire of his heart all along the path of faith and service. To know the Lord is a deeper, better and more intimate relationship.
We are happy to be with those we love and to hear their voices. How much more ought we to listen to and long for the voice of Jesus. Can you say with the Samaritans, “I have heard Him myself”? He still speaks through His Word, the Bible, and God says, “Hear Him” (Mark 9:7).
