He Who Has Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear

I don't know about you but as I get older, I think my hearing is getting worse. These days I regularly find myself needing to turn up the volume on the TV because things sound muffled. I also find myself asking my kids to speak up at home (imagine that, asking your kids to be louder :)). More than ever, I appreciate it when one speaks with a loud clear voice. But not only has my hearing gotten worse, I think my listening skills have also diminished. Recently, I was driving Ellie to school and asking her some questions about her friends and classes. She responded in a resigned way, "Dad, I already told you these things." Apparently, I must not have been paying attention.

Sadly, this happens in our spiritual lives as well. It is shocking to read through Jeremiah, Isaiah, and other books of the Bible, and see how many times it says that the people of God did not listen nor incline their ears to hear the Lord or His Spirit. Sometimes we refuse to listen because we are preoccupied with other things. We can't quiet the noise in our lives or slow down long enough to hear God. Other times, we may refuse to listen because we disagree and don't really want to hear what God has to say.

God is not just a god of the past or a god of the future. He is the God of the now. He lives, moves, and breathes among us now. By means of His Holy Spirit, He wants to speak to you today. In John 14:26, Jesus says, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." The Holy Spirit speaks to us today through His Word. He speaks to us today through worship and quiet time. He speaks today through pastors, teachers, parents, and friends. The Holy Spirit speaks today through the church. He speaks to us today through the events in our lives. Hebrews 3:7-8a says, "So, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…”

Are you listening?  Are you paying attention? Are you tuning in to hear what God is saying to you through His indwelling Holy Spirit? He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Pastor Darren