06 Today, If You Hear His Voice

14 hours ago

2 min read

A Guided Study

Article artwork created with ChatGPT - Concept and art direction by Steve Ellis

by: Steve Ellis

Main Truth: Trusting God means responding to his voice today.

Introduction

It is possible to remember what God has done and still struggle to trust him with what comes next. Hebrews brings Israel’s wilderness story before people following Jesus, calling them to hear God’s voice and respond.

The Preacher quotes Psalm 95, which recalls Israel’s wilderness rebellion. The New Testament writers bring the wisdom of earlier Scripture into present circumstances in light of Jesus.

Exploring the Text

Rescued, yet questioning 

Exodus 17:1–7

After their rescue from Egypt, Israel faces a real need: there is no water.

The people quarrel with Moses and question whether the Lord is among them. God provides water from the rock.

Massah and Meribah recall testing and quarreling. Bringing our pain before God differs from demanding that he prove his faithfulness on our terms.

At the border, afraid to enter 

Numbers 13–14

The spies confirm that the promised land is good, but their report of powerful inhabitants spreads fear.

Joshua and Caleb urge Israel to trust the Lord. The people refuse to enter and discuss returning to Egypt.

Their fear becomes a refusal to trust God enough to obey him.

Generations later, the wilderness warning still speaks 

Psalm 95:1–11

The psalm invites God’s people to worship their Creator and Shepherd.

A flock must listen to its shepherd. Remembering Massah and Meribah, the worshipers are warned against hardening their hearts.

A rescued generation witnessed God’s works but resisted his ways. Their story calls another generation to respond differently.

Now the Preacher says, “Today” 

Hebrews 3:7–19; 10:32–34

The believers addressed in Hebrews have endured suffering. Israel’s story warns them against allowing hardship to become an occasion for turning away.

Hardening means becoming resistant to God. Honest questions and moments of weakness are not equivalent to Israel’s rebellion.

Daily encouragement helps believers recognize sin’s deception and continue trusting Christ.

Unbelief and disobedience belong together in this story. Israel’s refusal to follow revealed its refusal to trust.

Crossing The Context

Hebrews 2:18; 3:15

The wilderness story leaves us with a response to consider. Our circumstances differ from Israel’s. The question of trust remains.

Remembering God’s past faithfulness calls us to trust him in present circumstances.

Jesus understands our difficulty and is able to help those who are being tempted.

Trusting God means following his voice today.

For Additional Study

John Mark Hicks, “Lesson Six: Hebrews 3:7–19”

BibleProject, “The Wilderness” Study Guide

Tim Mackie, Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: Class Notes, Session 2

Scripture Acknowledgement