“Are you listening?”
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. —Revelation 3:22
Read Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29
Sometimes parents tell their children, “If you’re not going to listen you can go to your room.” That kind of remark approaches this scenario from a negative point of view. Our text, however, does not do so. God does not say: “If you do not want to listen, then just bear the consequences.” Instead He says: “He that has ears let him hear.”
God has spoken to the seven churches, and by including those letters in the Bible he also speaks to you. At the end of each letter we read: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. When you read these letters again you will be reminded that the Lord had many things to say to the congregations. We all have ears, but the question is whether we hear what the Lord says to us. Or does His Word go in one ear and out the other? Your ears may hear the most beautiful sermon, but it will mean nothing to you if you do not hear what the Spirit is saying to you through it. When you truly hear, something will catch your attention and stick with you. Words of condemnation which we normally put aside will be received and even mourned over. Words of forgiveness will become sacred sayings. When God’s Word speaks to us and our ears hear, then great depths and count-less scenes will be revealed to us.
May the words of Psalm 81 not apply to you: But my people would not hearken to my voice (v.11).
Why is it difficult to listen to God’s voice?