What does "He who has ears to hear" imply about spiritual readiness? Lean In and Listen Matthew 11:15 records Jesus saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” On the surface, everyone in the crowd had ears. Yet the Lord singled out a particular kind of listener—one spiritually poised to receive and obey truth. Where Scripture Repeats the Call • Matthew 13:9; Mark 4:9; Luke 8:8—each time Jesus finishes a parable, He issues the same invitation. • Revelation 2–3—seven letters end with “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” • Isaiah 6:9–10; Ezekiel 12:2—prophets lament people who “have ears but do not hear,” highlighting the same heart issue. What “Ears to Hear” Implies About Spiritual Readiness • Attentiveness—true disciples lean forward, expecting God to speak (Proverbs 4:20). • Humility—a teachable spirit replaces stubborn self-reliance (James 1:21). • Discernment—readiness to sift truth from distraction; the Spirit guides willing hearts into understanding (1 Corinthians 2:12–14). • Obedience—hearing and doing are inseparable (Luke 11:28; James 1:22). • Urgency—today’s word demands today’s response (Hebrews 3:7-8). • Perseverance—continued hearing keeps faith vibrant (Romans 10:17). Signs My Heart Is Ready • I regularly open Scripture, expecting God to speak. • I welcome conviction rather than dodge it. • I act on truth promptly, even when costly. • I pray, “Search me… lead me” (Psalm 139:23-24) and mean it. • I test every message by the Word, not by culture or emotion (Acts 17:11). Cultivating Ears That Truly Hear 1. Daily intake of God’s Word—read meditatively, not mechanically (Psalm 1:2). 2. Quiet margins—silence crowded minds so the still, small voice is not drowned out (Mark 1:35). 3. Fellowship with obedient believers—iron sharpens iron (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Immediate obedience—delay dulls hearing (John 14:21). 5. Continual yielding to the Spirit—walk by the Spirit and sensitivity grows (Galatians 5:25). Encouraging Promises to the Ready Listener • Guidance—“Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21). • Fruitfulness—those who “hear the word and understand it… bear fruit” (Matthew 13:23). • Fellowship—“If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in” (Revelation 3:20). • Victory—overcomers who hear inherit eternal promises (Revelation 2:7). The Savior still calls, “He who has ears to hear.” Spiritual readiness is not a rare gift but a chosen posture—eager, humble, obedient. Lean in, listen, and live. |
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