Ears
to Hear
Matthew
13:10-17 His disciples came and asked Him, "Why
do You use parables when You talk to the people?" (11) He replied, "You
are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others
are not. (12) To those who listen
to My teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an
abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little
understanding they have will be taken away from them. (13) That is why I use
these parables, For they look, but they don't really see. They hear, but they
don't really listen or understand.
(14)
This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says,
'When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you
will not comprehend. (15) For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears
cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and
their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot
turn to Me and let Me heal them.'
(16)
"But blessed are your eyes, because they
see; and your ears, because they hear.
(17)
I tell you the truth, many prophets and
righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn't see it. And they
longed to hear what you hear, but they didn't hear it.
In my last writing I
pointed out the importance of listening, really hearing what is being said.
This is especially important when the speaker is our Lord. But listening will
produce action that proves what is said has indeed been heard. Listening and
not acting is actually sin. James
4:17
There is another
problem that arises out of not following the teachings of our Master and
Savior. Our ears become dull, our hearts become calloused, we get set on our
own stubborn paths that lead to destruction. Stubbornness breeds more
stubbornness. We get to the point that the words of Jesus become like the drone
of a fan. We get used to it and don’t really hear anymore. Our eyes become
blind to the truth and we begin to make up our own ideas about what is true and
what is false. Jesus becomes just a good teacher with some good ideas instead
of our Master who has and is The Truth, The Way and The Life. When all of that
happens we can no longer discern truth. When we recognize our need to hear from
God we cannot because we are spiritually deaf and blind.
So what can we do? If
you have found yourself in this condition, even a little bit, repent now. If
there is something the Lord has told you to do, but you have not done it, do it
now. Start down the right path now before it is too late. Because there comes a
point when, “they cannot turn to Me and let Me heal
them.” Only our Father in heaven knows who has reached that point. Seek
Him with all your heart now.
Father in heaven, this
is frightening because I know my own heart. I know how easily I can choose my
way instead of Yours. Please protect our hearts. Help us to truly follow You in
all ways, always. Holy Spirit forgive us when we have grieved You by not
listening to Your leading. Lord Jesus, we plead Your blood. That is our only
plea. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!
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