Today’s sermon was all about listening to Jesus through 2022, giving His voice higher authority than the other voices we are bombarded with:- scientists, the news, family members, politicians, social media, or people in the limelight.
This is not merely listening like putting on background music, it is listening to understand. “If you have ears, pay attention.” (Mark 4:9 CEV)
When the disciples asked why Jesus taught in parables, He replied, quoting from Isaiah in the Old Testament, “These people will look and look, but never see. They will listen and listen, but never understand. If they did, they would turn to God and be forgiven.” (Mark 4:12 CEV)
In other words, it will be like gobbledygook to them. Paul said something similar in 1 Corinthians 1. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God … Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1 vs 18, 22-24 NIV)
So it is possible to listen and not hear. In this year, 2022, I want to spend more time listening, paying attention so that I may understand.
My Prayer
Lord Jesus, You promised that Your sheep will know Your voice. Please teach me to know Your voice, to listen and to give Your voice priority over all other voices that surround me. Amen.
Coffee in the Rain 