BIG EARS

How often did we hear Jesus say ‘he that has ears to hear, let him hear?’ In the New Testament that is a statement recorded 14 times. Albeit some of those are repeats from the gospels, we see that it was an important thing Jesus stated.

But what does it mean? We have all these religious things that sound spiritual, that we blow off. The quickest response is to listen. Listen, intently. Which is fine. But did you know that to a Jew hearing and obeying are not separated? To a Hebrew, to hear and not obey means you did not hear at all. Because to hear was to absorb and make adjustments to what was being said in your actions. Jesus wasn’t just saying ‘this is important, he was saying, “Do This”

I want to confess something, I think I could possibly be the world’s worst listener. I believe my wife thinks so as well. At least, by how many times I have heard, ‘did you hear me’ I would believe she thinks so. I in my humanity am always ready to respond. Terrible at listening. I do a better job watching others talk to each other, but if you’re talking to me, I’m ready to fix, solve, respond to whatever issue you have. Why? Because I’m self-centered. Don’t laugh, you are too. How many times do you listen to a story and say to yourself, ‘what an idiot’ or ‘I can’t believe they did that.’ The underlying current of that is that you would never do something that dumb? Why? You’re better than them. Maybe underlying, but we do this a lot.

Jesus was not this way. He is our guide. He is our pattern. He is our everything. And what kind of ears did Jesus have? How did he listen?

Isaiah 50:4-5 The Sovereign YHWH has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my EAR TO LISTEN LIKE ONE BEING INSTRUCTED. The Sovereign YHWH has OPENED MY EARS; I HAVE NOT BEEN REBELLIOUS, I HAVE NOT TURNED AWAY.

This is a verse about the Messiah. It says Jesus woke up every day listening for instruction, refusing rebellion, and refusing to turn away from the instruction.

Oh, how would our lives be changed if we had ears to hear, listen, receive instruction and reject any form of rebellion against those words. To hear to God is to listen…and obey…..listen as one learning something new at every moment. God still provides manna to his people, but we are too busy to hear and receive it most of the time….

God give us big ol’ ears.