Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation 3:22

A hearing aid business used a catchy slogan for their advertising, which says: “We would like to see you hear.” In the same way, it is God’s desire that we hear as well. He does this in a number of different ways. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Matthew writes, “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” Today we hear Jesus’ very words to us as we read the Gospels. The rest of the New Testament as well as the Old Testament have the words that God inspired men to write by the power and moving of the Holy Spirit. God also uses good Bible teachers in churches, SS classes, radio and TV broadcasts, as well as spiritual books that we read as the Word of God is presented.

We also, however, hear with our hearts as we build a closer and closer relationship with the Lord. The illumination and understanding takes place in our hearts as we take in the truth through our ears and eyes. Jesus cautions us as to how and what we hear. In Luke 8:18 He says, “Therefore, consider carefully how you listen.” There is a lot of false information ‘out there,’ whether it’s being spoken or written, and it’s easy to be deceived if we’re not careful. Paul warns Timothy to “guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge” (1 Timothy 6:20).

God’s desire is that we hear from Him, and that comes from a submitted heart to Him and to His word. He wants us to go to the next step as well, and that is to be obedient to His Word. We are told to “not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22). If we have ears with a submitted heart, we will want to obey. Let us pray and ask God to give us both healthy and hearing hearts.