434. Got Ears?

“I’m not sure when it started,” Stan said, “or even who started it, but at some point there began an advertising campaign built around the question, ’Got milk?’”

“You’re right, Stan,” I said, “and it has been followed by all sorts of ‘Got such and such’.”

“While Jesus is not recorded as using the exact words,” Stan said, “He was way ahead of the game by asking, in essence, ‘Got ears?’”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“In the gospel accounts of both Matthew and Mark,” Stan replied, “Jesus said that if the people He was talking with had ears they were to hear what He had to say.  And it is probably fair to say that most, if not all, of them had ears. And Jesus said the same thing to the churches being addressed in the Book of Revelation. If you have ears, listen!”

“Same thing today,” Stan continued, “and it applies particularly to me.”

Continuing, he said, “I have ears, both physical and spiritual, and I am to hear all that God has to say to me through His word, as well as through the voice of the indwelling Holy Spirit.”

“And, going beyond hearing, I am to listen, understand, receive, embrace, and obey all that God has to say to me.  He has given me ears to hear and I am to use them.”

“So,” Stan concluded, “when God says to me, ‘Got ears?’ I am to say that I do and that they are open to hear all He has for me.”

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He who has ears to hear, let him hear.  Matthew 11:15.

If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.  Mark 4:23.

Prayer:  Thank you, Father, for all you have for me to hear.  And thank you for your presence in me to enable me to hear what you have to say.  I confess that too often I choose not to hear what you have for me because I would rather listen to the voices of self, the world, the flesh, and the devil.  Please forgive me.  And please lead me in taking the plugs out of my ears so I hear all you have for me.  And beyond hearing, please help me in listening, understanding, receiving, embracing, and obeying all you have to say to me.  Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

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Things to think (and journal) about:

1. What is your biggest take-away from this devotional?

2.    What does what you read say about God and about us as His people?

3.    What is God saying to you to do personally?

4.    Who can you share this with to make a difference?

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Comments, questions, suggestions, and the like can be addressed to The Storyteller at: waiting4thetrain@gmail.com.