In charismatic circles, “moving in the spirit” typically refers to revival meetings, healing services, and speaking in tongues. It can be sought after to fill a void as well as an affirmation of belief.
But according to King David, the moving of the Spirit or Ruach is not limited to an event, but can be ever present in our life journey. He states, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? And where can I flee from Thy presence?” (Ps. 139:7). This seems to affirm the perpetual speaking of the Ruach. In the book of John, the King of Kings, our Messiah refers to the Holy spirit as a helper or advocate (v 14:16), which also implies the constant workings of the Holy Spirit, to direct and convict us towards His purposes.
This week, I would like to explore what happens when a person listens to The Spirit as well as what causes a deaf ear to The Spirit.
VaYeshev begins with Jacob “settling” in Canaan, known as the land of sojourning. On close review, we find that sojourning is referred to–in its Hebrew context as magur (H4033). Which means, stranger, a sense of lodging, temporary abode, or pilgrimage. This same word is given to Abraham’s journey in Gen. 17:8. Hence, at the start of this study, we find “settling” doesn’t always mean rest for Yahweh’s people.
If we are a stranger and in a temporary abode on this earth, do you think it would be profitable to listen to the Holy Spirit for direction? And if so, how can we hear?
Lesson 1: As Jacob takes temporary abode in Canaan, his son Joseph shares a prophetic vision with his family. It’s a vision of hope as well as humbleness. The tribes of Israel will bow before him and be saved. As you can imagine, the brothers are filled with jealousy and start making plans to rid themselves of Joseph the dreamer.
What happens to people who are not given spiritual insight? Many times, due to jealousy, they move to hurt, maim, separate people, or even kill. From my perspective, the first step in hearing the Spirit is to be open with anticipation in finding out what the Lord may have in store for us, whereas jealousy closes off the ability to hear or see.
Lesson 2:
While Joseph is working as a servant in Egypt, his brother Judah fails to give Tamar prominence in the family of Judah by denying her a husband. From Judah’s actions, Tamar moves forward to gain her rights. In the wisdom given to her, she calls out Judah with his signet ring, cords, and staff. Judah is moved to call her more righteous than he.
To hear the Spirit one must be humble enough to receive conviction & repent. In my estimation, Judah hears the spirit due to a new awareness welling up within him. He is then moved to acknowledge his wrong doing.
Lesson 3
In the book of Acts, chapter seven, we find the mighty speech given from Stephen to the Sanhedrin Council in Jerusalem. But, the beginning of this story is found in Chapter six, where we learn about the men from the Synagogue of Freedmen who were bringing arguments against Stephen. These men, former slaves of Rome, were losing arguments with Stephen due their inability “to cope with his wisdom” and thus, brought forth false witnesses, leading to Stephen’s arrest and setting the stage for the Council.
What were the arguments about? Grace and power from the Holy Spirit, versus custom and law.
Yeshua said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (JN. 13:35)
Most of us know the Fruits of the Spirit as expressed in Galatians 5:22-23: Love, joy, peace, self-control, no record of wrongs, etc. Could we say the story of Stephen shows this as a clear example? We are told that Stephen was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” He dedicated his life to serving others.
When hate meets love, a clear distinction is made. For when the council fixed their gaze on Stephen, “his face was like the face of an angel.” Whereas, the council upon hearing his vision of seeing Yeshua at the right hand of Yah, gnashed their teeth, covered their ears and rushed upon him.
What causes the spirt to be heard?
The Spirit performs great signs and wonders when we put ourselves in the path of service, like Stephen.
The Spirit is darkened when there is an over emphasis in customs and law, in that we deem ourselves holy through personal works rather than spreading the glorious testimony of Yeshua our Messiah.
Dear friends, defensiveness, false accusations that divide, and jealousy, destroy the giving of the Spirit. Let us “put aside every hinderance.” If you want to hear the Spirit, consider finding favor with those around you, serve others, listen for opportunities to give witness about God’s Kingdom, repent, and recognize you are in a temporary home.
May you be blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn