November 18, 2022 -- Proverbs 4:20-22 -- Listening to Jesus for vitality in all of life

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

My son, be attentive to my words;
incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Let them not escape from your sight;
keep them within your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them,
and healing to all their flesh.
Proverbs 4:20-22 ESV

Being a listener. Not listening with the intention of waiting until the other person draws breath and then talking. Not being a boastful talker. Not being a one who hears and then turns away from doing what the Father commanded through earthly parents or divinely instituted authorities. Instead, being a listener is one who looks to God the Father and knows He instructs His children through parents and teachers, through authorities and ministers. Being a listener is one who expects to hear from God the Father, on the basis of Jesus’ accomplished work at the cross and keeping His commands through the power of the Spirit.

Being a listener is tuning one’s ears and one’s heart to know God as He reveals Himself. Being a listener is one who studies the Word to know God and listens to preachers who preach Him. Being a listener means one is discerning and able to distinguish the true teaching and preaching from false. Being a listener is training your heart to be silent before the LORD, and saying with young prophet in training, Samuel, “speak LORD, for Your servant is listening” (I Samuel 3:10).

Being a listener means becoming one who hears and studies the people around him. He wants to know what they believe, what they know, so that he can in know the other people well enough to engage in deep and honest conversation about the Living God. Being a listener is hard work. It requires the character traits of humility and patience. One who is a listener is one who is showing maturity in Christ.

Speak, LORD, for Your servants are listening.
Spirit of God, train us up in humility and patience so that we will mature in our ability to listen.
Speak, LORD, so that we will know Jesus Christ and follow the radiance of His glory.
Speak, LORD, so that we will find ever fuller life in Your Word and healing in knowing You.
Amen.

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