In what ways can we ensure we are not "unwilling to hear" God's Word? The Warning in Zechariah 7:11 “ But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped their ears from hearing.” Why This Matters • A closed ear leads to a closed heart, and a closed heart drifts into disobedience. • Israel’s history shows that refusing to listen invites discipline rather than blessing (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). • Christ repeats the same caution: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15). Hallmarks of a Listening Disciple • Tenderhearted humility—“To this one will I look: to him who is humble and contrite in spirit” (Isaiah 66:2). • Quick obedience—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). • Persistent hunger—“Your words were found, and I ate them” (Jeremiah 15:16). • Spirit-guided discernment—“The Spirit of truth… will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). Practical Ways to Keep the Ears Open 1. Daily, unhurried Scripture intake • Set aside a definite time slot; guard it like any vital appointment. • Read aloud at times—hearing the Word engages another sense (Revelation 1:3). 2. Meditate, don’t just skim • Pause after each section; ask “What does this reveal about God’s character?” • Let a key verse linger through the day (Psalm 1:2). 3. Confess and renounce known sin promptly • Sin dulls spiritual hearing (Psalm 66:18; Hebrews 3:13). • Keep short accounts with God so conviction never hardens into resistance. 4. Cultivate a teachable spirit through fellowship • Invite trusted believers to speak truth into blind spots (Proverbs 27:17). • Gather regularly under sound preaching (Nehemiah 8:8; Acts 2:42). 5. Welcome the Holy Spirit’s illumination • Before opening the Bible, consciously yield and ask for understanding (Psalm 119:18). • Expect Him to align thoughts and affections with Scripture (1 Corinthians 2:12). 6. Practice immediate application • Note one specific action after each reading—then do it. • Obedience reinforces receptivity; delay breeds forgetfulness (James 1:25). 7. Remove competing voices • Limit media noise that drowns out quiet reflection (Luke 10:39-42). • Choose playlists, podcasts, and conversations that echo biblical truth (Colossians 3:16). Scriptural Encouragements • “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). • “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). • “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). Living with Open Ears Every day presents a choice: stubborn shoulder or receptive heart. By honoring Scripture, staying humble, and acting promptly on what we hear, we keep our spiritual ears unplugged and our lives aligned with God’s best. |
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