Hear Today

Did you hear the thunder the other morning? As a child, I recall hearing planes breaking the sound barrier on a regular basis, and it was very exciting. But these days, I cannot hear some high pitched whistles which emerge from the sound system at church. Obviously, it must be my age!

Jesus often challenged people with the comment,  “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”  (Mark 4.9) What did he mean?

His opening parable, usually known as the Parable of the Sower, sets out what happens to seed when it is sown. Some lands on the path, others on a rocky place, yet others in amongst the weds, and some falls in good soil. The way those seeds grow and develop is determined by the place the seed lands. Any gardener or farmer would have agreed with his observations. 

So how do we hear God speak today?

I find that as well as taking time to reflect on life, in the light of God's love and plans for me, I also need to be willing to be redirected. There is little point in reading the Bible and praying, if my attitude is that nothing is going to change in my life. But if I come with an attitude of willing obedience, reckoning that God's will is best, then I can hear and receive what the Lord wants to say to me. Paul puts it well when writing to his Roman friends. Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.' (Romans 12.2)

So what changes will the Lord bring into my life today, as I hear him?

And for you too?
Best wishes,

Richard