EARS TO HEAR

Frank Retief

Then Jesus said: “He that has ears to hear let him hear.”  Mark 4:9

We all know the experience of hearing but not hearing.  We can recall boring lectures, speakers or conversations where we were obliged to participate but the event held no interest for us.

It’s something similar to that that Jesus is referring to here in this verse.  He had come as God’s King to redeem mankind but there were many opponents who did not believe him and in fact openly opposed him.  Jesus then made this statement which contains a whole world of truth in it: only those who want to hear actually do hear!

The truth is that many people do not have an ear for Jesus or for the Word of God.  They seem closed and unreceptive.  It is only those whose ears God has opened to actually hear what He has to say.  Of course there are many who think they are indeed open to God and religion but they are so full of their own ideas that the Word of God has no chance of a foothold in their thinking.

Some would be greatly offended today if it was suggested to them they are not listening to God, nor even capable of doing so for their “ears are not open”.  But it is sadly true that there are those who think they know it all, yet who know nothing.

When we meet people like this let us not be angry with them, nor despise them.  Remember we were once like this too.  Then Divine Grace touched us and we heard and understood.  Let us ever ask God to give us the open ear to hear and believe his Word.

Prayer:  “Father in Heaven, it is in your power to open the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf.  Please do so for those who live in darkness.  Amen”