On this "holy day" (so-called) many will decide they ought to "go to church." Superstition reigns supreme and multitudes attend church, not for the purpose of hearing Christ speak, but only to salve the conscience and do God a favor. Our Lord Jesus died and rose again as the Living Word. Do we hear Him?
The word hear is in the Scriptures over 1200 times. Surely this should catch our attention. One of the marks of depravity is that this is not the case. Since a sinner cannot receive faith in the Redeemer without hearing Him speak (Rom. 10:17), is it not a revolting mark of enmity that he refuses to hear? Such a simple act as hearing is what the Lord continually commands throughout the whole Bible; and yet wicked men not only stopped their ears, that they should not hear (Zech. 9:11), but also influenced others not to hear. Why hear ye Him? John 10:20).
That this Holy One should speak to hellish, evil, blackhearted rebels is a wonder of grace. Thank you, Lord, for not leaving me alone! And now in the light of God speaking, worms of the dust refuse to hear. Surely the punishment for this spitting in God's face as He speaks, must be eternal and to the uttmost severity!
The depth of this wickedness is not only seen in the out and out God-hater, but in those deluded ones who profess to believe what He says, and care not one whit to listen to His voice. Poor, ignorant, too busy, could-care-less church people have ten thousand reasons that are profoundly more important than hearing the voice of Omnipotence. I plead with anyone who reads these words not to continue in this vanity, for the time comes when the Lord says, I will not answer (Prov. 1:28). May we use this "holy day" to listen intently to the words of our dear Savior. Saviour.