In what ways can we ensure our ears are open to God's Word? Scripture Passage “ ‘For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ ” (Acts 28:27) Context at a Glance Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 to Jewish listeners in Rome. Decades after the resurrection, the same warning still applies: a hardened heart blocks saving truth, while an open ear invites God’s healing. Symptoms of Closed Ears - A heart that “has grown callous” (Acts 28:27) - Dullness toward sin (Hebrews 3:13) - Indifference to the voice of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) - Hearing without doing (James 1:22) Steps to Keep Our Ears Open - Receive the Word with Humility • “In humility receive the word implanted” (James 1:21). • Approach Scripture believing it is God’s flawless voice, not a human suggestion. - Repent Quickly and Regularly • “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). • Ongoing confession tills the soil of the heart so truth can sink in. - Meditate Consistently • “Incline your ear to wisdom…seek it like silver” (Proverbs 2:2-4). • Linger over passages; let repetition soft-wash stubborn areas of resistance. - Obey Promptly • “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). • Immediate obedience sharpens spiritual hearing; delayed obedience dulls it. - Listen Expectantly in Corporate Worship • “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). • Gather where Scripture is read and preached without compromise; God often speaks through the assembled body. - Guard Against Competing Noise • “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). • Limit voices—media, opinions, even well-meaning distractions—that drown out the Spirit’s whisper. - Cultivate a Soft Heart through Praise • “Come, let us bow down in worship…Today, if you hear His voice” (Psalm 95:6-7). • Worship tenderizes the heart, making it responsive when the Word is read or remembered. Encouraging Outcome of Open Ears When we see with spiritual eyes, hear with open ears, understand with yielded hearts, and turn, God promises healing (Acts 28:27). An open ear is the doorway to restored fellowship, renewed strength, and fruitful living. |
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