Jesus instructed His disciples: “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given – and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”
– Mark 4:24-25 (NLT)
The measure by which we listen, is the measure by which we will receive revelation – continuous revelation if we’re continuously listening! When we listen with an open heart to the words of Jesus, being diligent in trying to understand the weight of what He’s spoken - this is where the fertile ground of faith is sown. Romans 10:17 tells us that, “faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”
The more intently we listen and put into practice what we’ve heard, the more we’ll understand. Now that is a promise we can stand on! The more we ask, the more the Holy Spirit will then work in our lives, showing us above and beyond what we already know, bringing us spiritual wisdom. James 1:5 confirms this promise, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” God honours our request to receive His wisdom as we diligently seek Him and listen to apply His words to our life.
What we do with the words we hear, will be the foundation that we build our lives on. Hearing Truth allows us the opportunity to choose for ourselves whether we’ll receive or reject it. Whether we’ll build a faulty foundation that leaves us empty inside or whether we take heed of His instructions and not only listen but follow through in obedience to what He’s called us to do.
Our time, attention and submission to Jesus’ words show if we hold His words with reverence and believe the message He proclaims. This is how God’s Kingdom works – when the subjects of the kingdom humble themselves before the King, listening to His words and doing as He says, He not only is glorified, He then entrusts His subjects with more.
“Lord, give us ears that heed your Words, hiding Truth in our hearts. Help us to submit daily to Your Ways and Your Plans. Mold us into women who are honoured to carry the gospel message with us wherever You call us to go. Pour out Your wisdom upon us, so that we can have continual revelation of You and Your Kingdom. May we desire You above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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