If you have ears, listen!
by Pastor Tim Klein
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If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 3:6).
Read Revelation 3:1–6
Today, and for the next two days, you will read this admonition from the Lord in Revelation: ‘If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.’
If you are a parent or grandparent, or even when observing children generally, you will be very aware of their capacity to listen to or ignore your voice. We have good reasons to call out to our children. It might be a word of advice, instruction, or even a warning. Sometimes, my own children were not quick to listen and pay attention. One of my three children would sometimes respond, ‘I know’. Another was sometimes quick to debate with us. The other sometimes pretended deafness. We see similar traits in our grandchildren and others – even in grown-up children.
It’s important to listen to what the Spirit is saying to us in the church today. Today’s word contains both a warning and a promise. We need to listen and pay attention to both.
Here’s the warning: Sometimes, we don’t fully listen to the Lord. We might pretend to listen. We might even give lip service to what he asks of us. But sadly, the less we listen, the weaker in faith we become and the more likely we are to succumb to sin. We need to listen and hold fully to what he has taught us. It’s truth. It’s good for us. It blesses us.
Here’s the promise: Those who listen and follow the Lord’s word will be blessed to ‘wear white clothes’ – clothes that are clean. We will be blessed to walk with him, and our names will remain in the Book of Life.
In our relationship with the Lord, sometimes we can be like little kids – either listening or not listening to him. It’s far better for us to listen and pay attention, truly be his followers, listen to his word and live.
Dear Heavenly Father. We thank you for the gift of ears and that we can listen to your voice and follow you and what you say. Thank you for your life-giving word of forgiveness: of mercy and grace. Keep us listening for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Tim has served as a pastor for over 30 years in Australia and New Zealand and is currently at Faith Warradale in South Australia. Husband to his wife, father of three and grandfather of more than nine. Tim says he is living in hope. He enjoys gardening (especially his orchard of over 60 trees, succulents and flowering plants), making music (he loves to sing), beekeeping and taking photos.
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