Šāma‘: A Word From Paul

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” — Paul of Tarsus 

(converted Christian persecutor) 

Beloved, I do not claim to know it all, but the Lord does. I do not claim to be able to accomplish it all, but with God all things are possible. There is a rich heritage in which are the Jewish people. I do not speak of individuals who are flawed, but I speak of a people created by God and the the Hebrew language in which hidden treasures lay. With that said, I now invite you into my HEART...

Beloved, this is an important word: The Hebrew word (Sa•ma)(v. pg.107-108 Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words) is a verb that means “to hear, listen and obey.” I was thinking of this all afternoon and all day— the need “to hear, listen and obey” God’s Word. There is much spiritual darkness in this world and many are victims of it and aren’t aware of it, as those who have the truth, fail to speak the truth in a manner that they who are lost in darkness will hear, listen and obey. 

Jesus said it magnificently this way, “You shall hear the truth and the truth shall set you free.” He wasn’t merely speaking about words, but rather Himself, as Jesus is the Truth of God.

Another man came along who many could not and would not want to understand or embrace, but his life was radically changed forever when he encountered Jesus in a powerful way. His name would be known as Paul from Tarsus. 

He Paul, said such words that reflected the righteous words of Jesus, “But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek (anyone who is not a Jew), for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “ Lord, who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:8-17 NKJV emphasis added by me)

Beloved, know your audience and persuade them by both your righteous words and deeds, that Jesus the Christ, is Lord. You are the very one to influence the sphere around you. Let it not be on your watch, that many perish and are forever separated from the love of God because you were unwilling to speak.