10-9-2018

Good Morning All,

                 Romans 10:17; “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

      We were having a discussion about this verse a few days ago.  The lesson was on the need to have the Gospel preached, taught or revealed to you.  This is where the typical preacher makes some humorous comment like; “you can’t sit in a cornfield and stare at your belly button and figure out salvation.”  So, this verse tells us that we need to tell our family, our friends and neighbors about Jesus.  As we were concluding our study, I reiterated the thrust of the verse; faith comes by hearing.  One of the attendees muttered under her breath; “we need more hearing everywhere.”  I asked her to say that again.  At first, she was a little taken back and embarrassed but I told her I meant no malice or ire.  She took her stand; “It seems like there is a lot of talking and very little listening and even less hearing.”  We were at the end of our time but that comment led me to my commentaries.

    It is amazing how many times we are told to “listen” or “hear” in the Bible.  In Proverbs, Solomon tells the reader (hearer) “to listen”.  One of the major teachings in the Old Testament is in Deuteronomy; “Hear, O Israel, the Lord Our God is one”.  Listen and hear, maybe this is at least as important; perhaps, more important than speaking.  Listen and hear what your neighbor has to say.  Hear what the suffering person is expressing.  Hear what the lonely, the lost, the forgotten need to say.

    Hear what is said.  It is ironic that when pastors do sick visits, the only thing we can do is listen.  I am no doctor nor a miracle cure giver.  I am the care giver.  In situations like this, and many others, all you can do is listen to the pain in the voice of the person and pray for them.  I can’t change the sickness but I can listen and let the sufferer know that they have not been forgotten.  Perhaps we need to strive to do this in our lives today.

    Perhaps that is what is causing us so much difficulty today.  We don’t hear what others say and we want to remember that to “hear” in a biblical sense also includes action relating to hearing.  It especially means to consider what the other is saying and to recognize that that person is entitled to our respect.  Hear, not just with your ears but with your heart.  Hear with a desire to help, to comfort and to aid. 

     Listen, listen to the fears, worries and needs of your friends; listen to the joys and celebrations as well.  Hearing your neighbor lets them know that you know they exist and will help them as best you can.  Faith comes by hearing and so does living by faith.

Father of all peace, guide me by your Spirit to listen to my neighbor and to hear them.  Guide me to respond with your love.  Guide me to be your ears and your hands in this world.  In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret