How can we ensure we are not like the "deaf cobra"? The Image of the Deaf Cobra (Psalm 58:4) • “Their venom is like the venom of a serpent, like a deaf cobra that stops its ears”. • The cobra is literally unable—or unwilling—to hear the charmer’s pipe. It powerfully illustrates a heart that chooses not to hear God’s voice. Because Scripture is accurate and literal, this picture warns us just as vividly today. Why Spiritual Deafness Is Dangerous • Cuts us off from life-giving truth (Isaiah 55:3). • Hardens the heart until repentance feels impossible (Hebrews 3:13). • Leaves us vulnerable to sin’s destructive “venom” (Romans 6:23). Roots of a Deafened Heart • Willful sin that dulls conscience (Proverbs 28:9; Hebrews 3:12). • Pride that refuses correction (Jeremiah 7:24). • Love of worldly noise crowding out God’s Word (1 John 2:15-16). • Neglect of Scripture, prayer, and gathered worship (Hebrews 10:25). Steps to Keep Our Ears Open to God 1. Daily exposure to the Word: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). 2. Immediate obedience: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). 3. Humble repentance whenever convicted (1 John 1:9). 4. Earnest prayer for a soft, responsive heart (Psalm 51:10). 5. Fellowship with believers who speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). 6. Guarded intake—choosing influences that amplify, not muffle, God’s voice (Philippians 4:8). Habits That Nurture Spiritual Hearing • Memorize and meditate on passages like John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me”. • Begin each day asking, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). • Practice silence—turn off devices, sit with Scripture, let the Spirit apply it (Psalm 62:5). • Journal responses to what God highlights, then act on them. • Celebrate testimonies of obedience; they reinforce a culture of hearing. Walking Alert in a Noisy World • Evaluate entertainment and news through the lens of Philippians 4:8. • Schedule regular “Sabbath moments” to recalibrate hearing. • Replace complaining with thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:18); gratitude tunes the heart. • Serve others—active love sharpens spiritual perception (John 13:17). Final Takeaway Staying unlike the deaf cobra means cultivating a heart that hears, trusts, and obeys God’s unfailing Word. As we surrender daily, the Spirit keeps our ears open and our lives free from the deadly silence of unbelief. |
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