LISTENING
24th Jul 2019
Most people do not listen in order to understand, they are more interested in what they will say in reply.
Jesus in Luke 8:18 said, “Be careful how you listen.” I have been pondering this command and seeking to be a more attentive listener to those I am interacting with, but even more so to my listening to the voice of God’s Holy Spirit.
How much do you earnestly desire to hear God’s voice? How much do you want to hear His specific instructions? A friend recently mentioned that he felt “hearing” was the key to seeing more healings and miracles. Isaiah 50:4 says, “The Sovereign Lord….wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ears to listen like one being taught or instructed.”
I want to be more intentional in my listening; to get divine instructions for the day and the tasks I face and what’s ahead. I want to listen for the tone of God’s voice, the urgency or gentleness, so that I can obey and see God in action.
Jesus often told the Pharisees that their ears were dull, they didn’t hear. Stephen told the Sanhedrin, “Your hearts and ears are uncircumcised.” - not sensitive, not hearing. (Acts 7:51)
We listen in different ways, if we are being given vital instructions we will listen and retain. If we are interested in what a person is saying and we care, again we will listen with respect and give weight to what they are saying because we love and honour them.
I believe our Father God wants us to repent for our dullness and get serious about hearing His voice. To syringe or circumcise our ears and devote ourselves to making listening a habit. As you give yourselves to this, your skill will improve.
Look afresh at Matthew 21, see the detailed instructions Jesus gives to His disciples about getting Him the donkey. How was He able to tell them what to do so precisely? I believe He had been communicating with His Father and was simply passing on the instructions.
My prayer for myself and the body of Christ is, “Lord teach us to listen and to obey.”
by Joyce Sibthorpe
