Mark 4:9
Then Jesus said, "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear."
How many of you, from time to time, are guilty of tuning out a person speaking to you? I know I am. In grade school, I was an incorrigible daydreamer, constantly drifting away from the voice of the teacher, and, consequently, missing valuable instructions. My payback came a thousand-fold during my teaching years as repeating instructions became a predictably unpleasant part of the daily classroom routine. Although this experience aided me outwardly in developing the patience of Job, the inner frustration and upset regarding not being listened to the first time festered resentfully within me. I think we would all agree that being heard, but not listened to, is downright aggravating!
In today's gospel, Jesus is telling the parable of the sower. Before He begins the story, He exhorts the crowd with one word: "Listen!" (Mark 4:3). What He has to say is crucial, all-important; they need to be alert, aware, and paying attention. If they were in school, this would not be the moment to place their heads on their desks for a doze or to gaze abstractedly out the window like space cadets. Jesus is only giving the instructions once. He's not going to repeat them, at least today at this gathering. If they snooze, then, regrettably, they lose.
How are you hearing the voice of Jesus speaking to you today? What is He saying to you? Most importantly, are you listening?
"The voice of the Lord is calling His children . . . hear the voice of the Lord!" ~ Philips, Craig, and Dean
Readings
Psalms 41, 52, or 44
1 Samuel 24:1-22
Acts 13:44-52
Mark 4:1-20
Give us ears to hear
ReplyDeleteYour voice oh so clear
Give us eyes to see
Your glory…
God is saying to pay attention to his voice - that his sheep know his voice and another they will not hear. Love this message!
Funny how today I wrote about constantly repeating myself, should `I say it once and it was heard or does the constant jubble of everything happening mean that even within god and jesus we struggle to be heard?
ReplyDeleteIt is very frustrating not being heard...and speaking louder does not work! Sometimes, some people are just unwilling to listen.
ReplyDeleteh sometimes you do listen and listen with intent...and nothing is heard......a phase...a test... don't know..just is.....As always...XOXOXO
ReplyDeleteListening for the still, small voice within, especially when writing, is all important. When we open the ears to our hearts, He will guide us.
ReplyDelete