I have not written on my blog for awhile. But, I have been listening intently. With all the noise and chaos swirling about all of us in this country and in this world, one has to hear very carefully. So much masquerades as truth or wisdom from far too many people. Having ultra-keen senses can give one an advantage. For Ted Williams, it was his eyesight. He said he could see the spin on the baseball as it approached him at home plate. He was probably the greatest hitter ever. Derek Jeter had the ability to be in the right place at the right time to make important plays. His sense of timing was impeccable. For some reason, hearing/listening is not valued as it should be. Too many people are busy speaking or allowing their emotions to affect what they hear and then respond out of that mindset. As it has been said, the word “listen” contains the same letters as “silent.” There is far too little of both.
We read of just a tiny percentage of conversations Jesus had with His disciples. He told them, and all who listened in Matthew 13, that they were blessed for what they were hearing with the parable of the sower. In Mark 8, He told His disciples they had ears but did not hear, nor did they remember what He had done with the miracle of multiplying the bread and fish. We still do that. We hear something that we know is true and valid. But then something happens that angers us or causes emotions to weigh in, and it’s as if that actual truth that we heard before has somehow become lost to us. Our understanding becomes dull and incapable of reason. The disciples were keyed in to His words and teachings, yet so many things were different than they were used to hearing. And so many miracles were being done before their eyes, they at times could not fathom the depths. They had a difficult time hearing and seeing what was right before them. In Matthew 17, the disciples should have been listening to what was transpiring during the miraculous transfiguration. Peter allowed his own understanding to provide an answer and God basically told him to be quiet and to listen to Jesus. That got their attention. But that was then. They still missed all He was telling them to prepare them for what was coming.
Today, and especially in this political climate, so many are weighing in with what they are telling you God is saying about all we see and hear. So many speak from the dictates of their own hearts, and for many they are setting up their own mini kingdoms. They will crumble and be seen for what they are. God has supplied all that is necessary to weigh what should be viewed as righteous and accepted as His will. If it does not line up with His word, then it must be rejected. Do not follow blindly. There are enough people who lack the ability to hear Him that are already in that ditch. It’s getting quite full. As it says in Ecclesiastes 3:7, “There is a time to remain silent and a time to speak.” We really need to keep quiet and listen right now. Jesus said His sheep hear His voice. How can you hear if so many other voices have your ear?
Isaiah 30:15 says “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” He is telling us that a sense of comfort and knowing is ours if we can quiet ourselves before Him. There are so many disparate voices vying for our attention. It’s like walking into a stereo shop to hear a pair of quality speakers, but every other speaker and system is on at the same time. There is no way you can make an informed decision as to what speakers to purchase. A high end stereo shop will have a private room that is soundproof. Only the speakers you wish to hear will be heard. It’s the same with hearing today. Too much external stimuli. And so much is pure crappola. Realize that even a fool can appear wise when they remain quiet. But one who listens and measures what they hear to His word will find truth and wisdom and maybe peace.
We must try to emulate a young boy named Samuel in 1 Samuel 3. After the Lord called to him twice, he answered the third time, “Speak, your servant hears.” He fined tuned his listening. He heard, even though this was new to him and there was much chaos in the land. We can do that also. James 1:19 says, “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” We all must follow that. Blessings.
Stand My Watch 