Whoever Has Ears, Let Him Hear
Springtime is my favorite time of the year. It reminds me of hope, new life, and a fresh start. As the grass greens up, and the flowers spring forth, I can get lost in my thoughts as I stare out at the lush green grass and vibrant yellow daffodils.
Recently while clearing my flowerbeds and working the soil anew, I was reminded of the Parable of the Sower found in Matthew 13:1-23. Jesus commonly spoke in parables, or picture stories, to help people visualize and better understand his message. As someone who loves to get her hands dirty in my garden, this picture story has always been a favorite.
Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
Jesus opens his message by describing four types of soil. First, there is the soil on which seed is scattered, but the birds come and eat the seed before it can take root. The second soil is rocky. In this type of ground, the scattered seed takes root but doesn't flourish because the soil is shallow, and the seed cannot grow deep roots. The third image is of soil where seeds spring up and take root, but are eventually choked out by weeds. Finally, seed is spread on good soil. These seeds grow and flourish, producing an abundant harvest.
In previous readings, I focused on the soil and its representation of various conditions of the heart. But today, it was the words that immediately follow that caught my attention. Jesus ends his parable by saying, "Whoever has ears, let them hear."
Of course, Jesus is not insinuating that some folks are without ears, rather, he is calling us to realize that there is a deeper kind of listening that has to take place when reading or hearing scripture. There is a spiritual listening that takes place. To many, the parables are relatable, entertaining stories. But to those whose spirits are open, God will speak a more meaningful message. A life-changing message!
Today we are living in a world that is a bit quieter than usual. Quarantine and isolation have slowed us down, and I believe, required us to take a God-ordained break from the chaos and non-stop activity centered lives we were living. In this pause, God is speaking and being heard. Facebook, Twitter, news channels, and conversations are more spiritual than anytime I can recall during my 51 years on this planet.
People are hearing God and responding to his voice. But, do you think it's because God is speaking louder today than he did months ago? Or is it merely that we are listening for his voice? Are we taking more intentional time to read the Bible, seek hope, and offer encouragement? I believe so.
Consider what your ears are hearing these days and couple that with the previously mentioned types of soil. Yes, today, your ears are hearing but will you allow God's Word to take root in your heart, or will you only hear His Word and accept his peace during this time of uncertainty? Will you be forever changed by what you hear and experience or only briefly sustained? If you have ears, may you hear and be truly changed.
Dear Jesus, I pray that you will open my ears to hear more profound, meaningful spiritual truths. Prepare the soil of my heart so that your Word is not quickly stolen by evil, choked out by activity, or swallowed up by the weeds of life. Thank you for the truth of your Word and the power of your Holy Spirit within me. Amen and Amen
