by Macy Johnson
They have eyes to see but do not see
and ears to hear
but do not hear, for they are a
rebellious people.”
(Ezekiel 12:2 NIV)
My next-door
neighbor, Susan, and I belong to a small choral group that sings at a local
nursing home. We gather every Wednesday afternoon for the shut-in residents
there. During one of the songs I leaned over to her, held the open hymn book up
to my face and whispered, “See the lady in the back of the room in the blue
shirt? She sticks her fingers in her ears when we sing.”
My friend
acknowledged the strange sight and we monitored the lady while several hymns were
sung. Most of the time she put her fingers in her ears, but sometimes she chose
to listen to us. It was odd behavior. Perhaps we sang too loudly for her sensitive
ears.
I later
realized I am like that lady. When God speaks to me through His Word and other
believers, I sometimes put my hands over my ears. I don’t want to hear what He
has to say. My upcoming audiometry evaluation might reveal a physical hearing problem, but
it will not expose the condition of my heart.
Did I hear
the pastor’s sermon tell me to “Come and Die”? Did I keep my mouth shut when
tempted to talk about myself? Did I push someone away Jesus asked me to
include? Have I ignored the cry of the needy all around me?
As a
follower of Christ, I am not allowed to select what to listen to when the Holy
Spirit speaks. I know He will guide me through my ears into my brain as He
chooses.
I choose to
hear my heavenly Father’s words every time! I hope you will, too!
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