A friend has a hard time listening to me, not that I’m ultra-boring.  Or am I?  No comments, please!  This friend seems preoccupied, thinking about what he’s going to say next rather than lending me an ear.  Repeating the same questions is a hint that what I’ve said goes in one ear and out the other.  That could never be said of me, could it?  What’d you say?  Sorry, I wasn’t listening!

In the Bible, the ability to listen is critical, a necessity in following God.  But do we listen to Him, focusing on what God has to say?  His views?  His ways and will?  And where can we find this?  Any ideas?!

Sometimes I seem careless, caring less than I should, using my profound (!) theological questions, doubts, and confusion as excuses to go my own way.  If I can’t figure it out, what’s the point?  Then, I’ll do what I want.

However, spending more time in my Bible allows for something else to emerge.  More seriousness with a settled quality to my faith sensing Jesus’ love.  I certainly don’t want to take Him for granted.  Rather, relish and delight in Jesus, getting busy doing what He wants.  That’s different for me.  Only me?

And I’m listening better.  At least a smidgeon more.  As God the Father says–‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him’ (Matt. 17:5).  Not a mere suggestion or sage advice, but His command.  ‘…Listen to him.’  Many competing and contradictory voices exist in this world.  Focus more and more on one.  On Jesus.  His voice can be found all through your Bible.

Listen up!  Grab your chair, pulling up a little closer to the Savior.  Or sit on the floor next to Him.  He loves cozy time with you.  As Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, does–“…Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching…’one thing is necessary.  Mary has chosen the good portion…'” (Luke 10:39,42).

Listen.  Hone in.  Key in and knuckle down.  All on Jesus!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for sharing the good news with me.  Amen.