5-18-2018

Good Morning All,

         John 10:27; “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

     Are you part of the next great 15 minutes of the internet?  I am talking about the “Yanny or Laurel” debate.  If you are a person who really has a life and has no clue what this is.  There is a recording (not very good) and when you listen to it some hear “Yanny” while others hear “Laurel”.   Now even the politicians are weighing in and all of the celebrity know-it-alls are opining heavily.  It is a good thing that nothing important is going on.

    I even listened to a couple of audiologists explain what is happening (you can make your own judgment about whether I have a life or not).  One explained that people’s ears, ear canals, and ear canal health are all different.  In essence, we all hear different things.  When you add in the fact that the recording is not crystal clear, it gets even more interesting.  Now the quality of your speakers play a role, background noise plays a role, suggestions or influences from others sitting beside you play a role (my wife is convinced it is “yanny” and can’t see how anyone can hear anything else), also, our own prejudices and predispositions matter as well. 

    So what does this have to do with anything?  Listening closely matters.  Hearing what is said matters.  Remember what the devil first asked Eve before she sinned; “did God really say?”  Do you hear the right thing?  Unfortunately, many do not.  Many who “hear” God speak in the Bible “hear” accusations, threats, condemnation and hatred.  Some “hear” a list of “do’s” and “don’ts” and then try to live more of the “do’s” than the “don’ts”.  They live a life that is full of guilt and remorse.  They spend all their time speaking of feeling “convicted” or “judged.” They hear what they think is being said but all the same issues that make “yanny” or “laurel” confusing impact us as well. 

    What “filters” do you have?  Do you have family or friends who offer their “insights” and opinions and can color or even obscure what is being said?  Unfortunately, too many hear a list of requirements and expectations.  They hear “you must do this to be loved.”

    Yet when the sheep hear his voice, they hear a voice of love and forgiveness.  They hear a voice which calls them into repentance.  Not to earn forgiveness but to take advantage of it.  Repentance means to turn from sin.  Sin is what causes our pain and suffering and separation.  Repentance means to stop beating your head against a wall when you have a headache.  It is an act that brings about healing and an ending of suffering.  That is what Jesus says when he says, “go and sin no more.”  It is an encouragement to stop our self-inflicted pain and to turn back to God’s path of peace and hope.

    Hear Jesus as he speaks to you.  Hear his invitation to a life that can know hope, that can know peace and that has eternal life.  Hear our Great Shepherd as he comes to comfort you.

Gracious Father, hear us as we cry to you.  Cleanse our ears so that we hear you in truth.  Bring us into your loving embrace.  Keep us safely in your arms.  Be with those who are struggling when they try to hear you.  Remove the static and the confusion.  Send them your Spirit of hope and peace.  In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret