THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:4-15
“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” (Luke 8:8)
This teaching is about hearing (vv.8,10,12,13,14,15).
Everyone has ears, but not everyone has ears to hear.
We would sometimes say of our kids that they had selective hearing.
But it is not only kids, we all have selective hearing.
We prefer not to hear certain things, and may tune them out.
(Like when someone is challenging us on something).
Or we may be preoccupied with other things.
(Like when my wife asks me something while I’m watching TV).
Jesus sees the crowds, but He knows that that doesn’t mean a big audience.
He knows that a large majority of His audience will not fully accept what He says.
At first some might, but in time they will let go, forget or listen elsewhere.
Think about all the churches that gather every Sunday.
What percentage of those listening are actually hearing and receiving what they hear?
The test, says Jesus, is the fruit, the result: the changed lives.
Hmm, might it be said that 3/4 of those who hear, do not actually hear?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I have been hearing with my ears for years (since childhood). I wonder if I’m not hearing as well as I thought I was. I wonder if I need my hearing checked?
Observations/Application
How often do the Scriptures tell us about the hearing of the people? Hearing and doing go together. However all too often it is said that they have ears but do not hear and eyes but can not see.
The Sower sows the seed – the lifeline – the bread – for the people. Yet the people who receive the seed are
prejudiced – going their own sweet way like a pharoah in my OT reading this morning
shallow hearer – who gets excited for the moment but then is lost in his way
emotional hearer – excited in the moment and then later wanders off to another idea
interested hearer – but has so many interest that there is none that really take hold. Runs from one interest to another grasping at none.
open minded – is a willing open mind – listening and discerning and doing. Taking hold of the thoughts and running with it. Living the Word.
Lord help me daily to listen to Your voice saying this is the Way. Walk in it.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin’ in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy