He Who Has Ears

He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 11:15 ESV

I've always loved Matthew 11:15. As I read it, I tend to hear it in my head as Jesus saying, "You should really pay attention to what I just said." It can be really easy for us to miss what God is saying to us. Sometimes it's because we aren't anticipating to hear Him speak. Other times, we're too busy to pay attention to His still small voice. Nevertheless, He is speaking to us, and in more ways than we realize. One of the most practical ways is through Christians.

As believers, we are the hope of glory in the earth (Colossians 1:27).  Paul described it as a mystery that has now been revealed. As the hope of glory, we serve as God's mouthpiece in the world. Through us, God is able to speak to His children and those who are lost. So any time someone speaks to a believer, they have the opportunity to hear from God. That opportunity can be missed however, by both the believer and the one they are speaking with.

How does that happen? Sin, obstinacy, and flat out rejection are few things that can cause a person to miss out on hearing from God. Something will "suddenly" pop into their mind as they are praying or talking to someone, but they will dismiss it because they are so engaged in what they are doing. Other times, they will know it is from God, but will not share or receive because of the risk that it involves. Unbelief is a great thief and has robbed many of gaining revelation of God. Unbelievers may miss God speaking because of that same reason or because of their unfamiliarity with Him.

No matter what camp you're in, the remedy is the same: know that God speaks and expect to hear from Him. He speaks through His written word, prayer, songs, and His people. If you're a believer, exercise your faith and believe that He wants to speak not only to you, but through you. Once you start listening, you'll be amazed at what He is saying.