Listen Up!

“Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” John 18:37, NKJV

Growing older, like most challenges in life has its ups and downs and pros and cons. Like I say at the end of my email correspondence, “If we live long enough, the wisdom of winter experienced through aging is priceless when compared to the springtime of youth.” However, physically speaking, a decline in some areas can be an annoyance at best. For example, my hearing, well, let us just say it is not what it used to be! When trying to hear in a crowded noisy room, I have learned the art of reading lips, or just smiling when that fails.

For those of us who follow Jesus Christ and read the Bible in search of His will, we do not need a hearing aid to “hear” Him “speak.” Sometimes, when I seek direction while facing a difficult situation or decision, God quickens me to recall instructions He has given through Scripture I have read or studied at some point in time. Oftentimes, He gives me encouragement from another follower of Jesus. Then, perhaps even more profoundly, He gives me insight that might lend a word of encouragement to someone else.

As Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate on trial for claiming to be “King of the Jews,” Jesus said, “‘For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’ Pilate said to Him, ‘What is truth?’” (John 18:37-38). Instead of focusing on “hearing” Jesus’ voice, the God of Creation standing right in front of Him, Pilate questioned the idea that anyone can take ownership of the truth. Indeed, Jesus who said, “…I am the truth” was the answer to the question Pilate asked.

In this season of reflection on who Jesus was and still is in the world in your life and mine, are you listening as He speaks? You do not need a hearing aid. He cuts through the noise of this crazy world if you are willing to receive Him. Know this truth; Jesus loves you!

For deeper study, read John 18:19-38.