Everyone should be quick to listen. James 1:19 (NIV)
Throughout the Bible we see examples of God speaking to His people, especially through His prophets in the Old Testament. When He spoke, it was naturally expected that the people would listen and obey. Unfortunately, the Israelites frequently did not listen; therefore, they suffered consequences. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us that He is the Good Shepherd, and He states further that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. In His days on earth, Jesus spoke God’s words with a human voice. He now speaks to us through His Spirit residing within us and through the His printed words, the Bible. A question to ask ourselves is, “Do I listen; do I hear?” And, “Is there anything blocking the message?”
Recently I went to see a doctor because my hearing seemed muffled. After he examined both ears, he informed me that I had an infection in each ear, stating that the eardrums were pushed outward, preventing the sound waves from effectively being transmitted from the eardrum to the small bones of the middle ear.
This physical problem can be compared to a spiritual hearing “disconnect,” in which, though God is speaking, we cannot hear because of an infection of sin, a frenetic schedule, or lack of focus on Him. May we see as our example the boy Samuel, when he replied to God’s call, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
Dear Shepherd Jesus,
I thank you that your are my Shepherd and Guide. I love you and desire your constant presence. I want to always be open to your voice and readily obedient to your words.
Amen
Mary Barham
