-- Mark 4:9
It is one of the Jesus' most often used phrases. He is quoted in the gospels as saying it seven times. And he uses a close variation seven more times in speaking to the churches in Revelation chapters two and three.
During the course of his three year ministry, multitudes of people heard Jesus speak. Tens of thousands listened live as The Word Become Flesh spoke words of life. On hillsides, in synagogues, in the temple, on beaches, in houses - they heard his voice. They all heard, yet many didn't hear.
He who has ears, let him hear.
Reactions and responses to Jesus' words varied radically. Some heard and were filled with joy. Some were convicted, leading to life-change. Some were healed. Some were restored. Some followed. Some were perplexed. Some were offended. Some were angered. Some walked away saddened.
They all heard, yet many didn't hear. It is the same today. It is the same for us.
How is it that we can have perfectly good ears, and yet at times, be so deaf? (In the same way we have 20/20 vision and yet can be so blind - sorry for the mixed metaphor).
The fact of the matter is this; how we hear and what we hear is a reflection of the condition of our heart. Our ears (at least spiritually speaking) are tied directly to our hearts.
When our hearts are filled with anxiety, we cannot hear.
When our hearts are filled with self-centered pride, we cannot hear.
When our hearts are filled with anger, and bitterness, we cannot hear.
Deafness, spiritually speaking, is a condition of the heart. And humble hearts are hearing hearts.
He who has ears, let him hear.
God whispers all around us. Do you hear?
God, give me ears to hear...
For now...
D
