Important Aspect Of Hearing!

Those who are hearing impaired miss out on some enjoyable sounds such as those of nature, the laughter of children, melodic music, sweet whispers, etc. These individuals also have to sharpen their other senses to be alert since they may not hear alarms or other sounds of warning. However, the greatest hearing impairment is that of a refusal to hear.

When Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, Peter, James, and John heard the voice from above telling them to “LISTEN to Him.” ( Matthew 17:7) As Jesus taught, there were several times He capped off the truths He revealed with “He who has EARS TO HEAR, let him HEAR.” (i.e. Matthew 11:15; 13:9; 13:43) In Revelation we find the exhortation seven times, “He who HAS AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR what the Spirit says to the churches….” ( Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22)

Paul stated…
“So FAITH COMES FROM HEARING, and hearing through the word of Christ.” ( Romans 10:17 ESV)

From these passages we should easily conclude that hearing is important! Are we continuing to LISTEN? If we continue to LISTEN our faith should keep on growing. However, it is also important HOW WE HEAR. Are we appropriately PAYING ATTENTION to the message of God?

During the time of the prophet Jeremiah, he sent a message of God to king Jehoiakim. However, when three of four columns of the scroll were read, Jehoiakim would cut those sections off and throw them into the fire. ( Jeremiah 36:23) That was his reaction to what he heard which is quite a contrast from his own father’s response to the reading of God’s Word. When his father Josiah was king [*see extra note below] and the book of the law was found while repairs were being done to the temple ( 2 Kings 22:8) and was read to him, Josiah “tore his clothes.” ( 2 Kings 22:11) Josiah TOOK THE WORD OF GOD TO HEART, committed to walking in the way of the Lord and to keep His commandments ( 2 Kings 23:3), and on the basis of the truth of God led the nation in much needed reform. Thus we see two individuals of the same family, one of whom chose not to listen while the other was deeply moved by what He heard.

We choose what KIND OF LISTENER we will be. Does God have our ear? When we hear His Word (and read it) are we continuing to TAKE IT TO HEART, allowing it to be the basis for the actions of our life? “FAITH COMES FROM HEARING.” May we listen so that faith will continue to come.

Have a great day PROPERLY USING THE EARS GOD BLESSED YOU WITH!
Carl

[*Josiah was first replaced by his son Jehoahaz who only reigned for three months in Jerusalem and did evil in the sight of the Lord. Then Josiah’s son Eliakim took his place and Pharaoh changed his name to Jehoiakim. ( 2 Kings 23:31-37)]

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