Improvements to hearing over the years have undergone considerable changes, from the need to shout (still an option) to the use of ear trumpets, and now to modern digital aids linked to mobile phones. However, there is a significant difference between hearing and listening.
I recall an occasion when my wife asked if I had heard the weather forecast, and when I confirmed that I had, her next question was, “What did it say?” Unfortunately, my response was, “I don’t know, I wasn’t listening”. It is alleged that men, in general, have selective hearing, though I am not convinced that is a fair criticism.
In 1 Samuel chapter 3, we read the interesting story of God calling Samuel, who wrongly assumed it was Eli, his mentor. Following the older man’s advice, at the fourth time of God calling, Samuel responded by saying, “Speak for your servant is listening”. The message that God gave was somewhat difficult for this young person to pass to someone who would have been considered not only much older but also wiser. Later in life, Samuel had other difficult messages to pass on and actions to take.
One of the challenging reactions when God speaks, through His Word, or His servants, is to recognise how appropriate that is to someone else, and not recognising that as King David discovered (2 Samuel 2 verse 7) “You are the man!”
Keith and Kristyn Getty’s song Speak O Lord, includes these words that may be our daily prayer.
Speak, O Lord, as we come to You, to receive the food of Your holy Word
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us, shape and fashion us in Your likeness
That the light of Christ might be seen today in our acts of love and our deeds of faith
Speak, O Lord, and fulfil in us all Your purposes for Your glory.
AMEN