Seeing and Hearing

Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, 'You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; for the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes, otherwise they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them.' But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Matthew 13:13-17

 

Jesus spoke in parables so that those who were attuned to Him could hear Him—and those who were visual learners would see and learn from His stories. Others were mystified and just didn’t care—or chose to bad-mouth Him. That’s the way people were and even now are…if things aren’t their way, then they condemn, criticize or complain about what was said or done. How often do you see things only in your way? I know that I almost always have a suggestion or opinion as to how things should be done. I know I need to hold my tongue. James, the brother of Jesus, had some teaching about the tongue.

So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. ... But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. James 3:5-6, 8-10

Jesus is focusing on the eyes and ears, seeing and hearing—not the tongue and speaking. I should gain some wisdom from that. The Holy Spirit can guide my seeing and hearing—and as James also taught… This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20. Quick to hear—means not being focused on what I expect to hear or want to hear…but on what is really being said. I need to be intentionally listening—not speaking. What a lesson! How often do I do that? How about you—do you hear what you want to hear…or see what you want to see?

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—we humbly thank you for opening our eyes and ears to Your truth and love. Understanding Jesus’ teachings is such a blessing in our lives. May we continue to see, hear and apply His truth and wisdom in our lives.

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Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Mary.

Two years ago we were sailing down the Danube River—such fun.

May God continue to bless you as you seek and serve Him –

-with joy in your heart and  gracious music at your fingertips!

 

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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