“Then the disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ He answered, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.’” Matthew 13:10-11 (NRSV)

Can you hear me now?

Who remembers their first cellular phone or car phone? I thought I was big stuff when I upgraded from the pager clipped to my belt, to the infamous phone in the heavy bag strapped to the floor of the center console of my car. You probably recall the common phrase popularized by Verizon in their advertising campaign. Remember the iconic guy with horn-rimmed glasses speaking repeatedly into the phone, “Can you hear me now?” while moving to various locations trying to gain better reception as if he were a human antenna.

Thankfully technology has improved substantially, but even now you might find yourself using this ubiquitous phrase if what you say cannot be heard by the other person. Likewise, what the other person has to say may be especially important for you to hear.

This familiar phrase reminded me of our readings on the “parable of the sower” found in three of the gospels; Matthew 13:1-9, Mark 4:1-9 and Luke 8:4-8. Why such an emphasis on this one parable from these three disciples?

^“The sower sows the word.” Mark 4:14 (NRSV)

It made me think. Do you suppose Jesus spoke in parables to test our hearing and listening? To hear requires more than just having our ears finely tuned for enunciation and clarity. Are we fully understanding when we hear something intended for us? Are we closing our ears to that which we do not agree with or align with? It is certainly well within our rights after all we have free will.

“As he said these things, he called out, ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear.’” Luke 8:8 (NRSV)

Jesus spent the better part of his ministry on this earth teaching spiritual lessons to both Jew and Gentile in word and action. He emphasized “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” as his mantra.

“He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching, he said to them: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow.’” Mark 4-2-3 (NRSV)

Every time, I read these passages in the Bible it seems as if Jesus were telling each of us, “I gave you two ears so use them both to hear me and fully understand with “spiritual ears.”

“And he said, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” Mark 4:9 (NRSV)

Later in Mark, Jesus says something that should jolt us all back into reality. He is quoting Isaiah 6 as Isaiah is tasked with delivering the word of God to the people of Israel fully knowing that not all will hear and accept.

“they may indeed look, but not perceive, and may indeed listen, but not understand; so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.” Mark 4:12 (NRSV)

While Jesus freely shares that the gospel is for all, he knows that only those who are truly open to hearing and listening will fully understand. In other words, there is a cost to being a disciple. Our ears must be open and tuned to hear the word and voice of God.

We choose to accept God’s grace, to open our ears to hear it clearly, to open our minds to process it mentally, and finally to open our hearts so that the word of God is planted within our spirit.

^“As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our message?’ So, faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:15-17 (NRSV)

Hearing might be our highest responsibility in our relationship with God. We came to faith by first hearing the word of God. This intentional focus on continuing to hear with our spiritual ears sustains and grows our faith.

Why do we choose not to hear what God may have to say to us? Did you ever wonder if God chooses to hear what we have to say?

Pastor Leigh-Anne shared in this week’s confirmation class lesson the importance of studying the bible, otherwise, how are we to know what God has to say to us. Chris shared with the class that if we learn the teachings of the gospel (Good News) we can then discern from the world’s teachings that leads us astray. Therefore, we must avoid itchy ears that cause us to listen for the words we want to hear over the words that God wants us to hear.

One of our confirmands read the following scripture that reminds us of our responsibility to not only study it but to share it.

“Proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths…” 2 Timothy 4:2-4 (NRSV)

Hear the good news! Jesus reminds us to listen intently. The Holy Spirit guides our understanding. The Holy Bible reveals the mystery of the gospel if only we open our ears and listen. Rest assured our God does indeed hear us! By God’s providential grace you are reading this column today as a reminder that he chose you to hear something today. If you cannot seem to hear Him, move a little closer to Him and his reception will come in much clearer.

How will you answer when God asks you “Can you hear me now?” How are you sowing the word into your life and the lives of others?

Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the scriptures are read and your word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen!

Peace,
Kenny Shortsleeve, Lay Leader