Wanting and Needing to Listen to and Follow The Lord of Love!

As a parent, I have at times been frustrated when I would tell my children something, something which I intended for their good, or for the good of our family, and somehow they forgot it. Or they ignored it. Or they had not paid attention in the beginning when I was talking with them. In other words, THEY DID NOT LISTEN!

However, you know the old saying, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” I was also accused of such behavior many times when I was a child, for good reason. In fact, I remember a specific time I was staying with my uncle and aunt because my parents were out of town. I knew I was supposed to be home at 6:00 p.m. But I was at the home of a good friend with horses. I knew I was ignoring the time, so I returned home late. They were furious, with good reason. I DID NOT LISTEN! In fact, my wife has sometimes suggested the same behavior. Imagine!

The point is, that when I spoke to my children, it was ultimately for their good. When my uncle and aunt set a time for me to be home, it was for my own good, so that they knew I was safe. When my wife wants me to listen, the idea is that good communication strengthens our relationship. And yet, people, myself included, still have trouble listening! Frustrating!!

In addition to this problem we have with listening, I have been taught in numerous classes, that good communication depends more on listening than on speaking. And yet, people still struggle to listen. It sounds like a pattern, doesn’t it?

I share musings on these challenges from life because of Scripture verses which I have recently read. In my devotional readings on Tuesday, February 25, the readings were from Jeremiah 43-45. In these verses, after the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon, Jeremiah brings God’s word to Jewish exiles who have fled to Egypt. Jeremiah shares God’s instructions for the good of these Jews. Yet, consider their answer. “15 . . . all the people who lived in Pathros in the land of Egypt, answered Jeremiah: 16 ‘As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, WE WILL NOT LISTEN TO YOU!’” (Jeremiah 44:15-16) Refusal to listen is not just behavior of people in our time. The people of Israel are famous for ignoring the word of God.

Then, in our staff meeting at First Lutheran later on February 25, we read and studied the account about Jesus’ transfiguration in Luke. After Jesus’ clothing and face shone dazzling white, revealing His glory as the Son of God, the Heavenly Father explains this awesome experience to the disciples. “34 . . . a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One; LISTEN to him!’" (Luke 9:34-35) Even Jesus’ disciples are reminded to “Listen.” Even though Peter, James, and John were followers of Jesus, they still struggled at time to understand His words. The struggled to believe who He was. Therefore, they struggled to listen to Him and to follow His instructions.

If we consider the disciples, and if we consider the people of Jeremiah’s time, we can learn lessons that will help us when we struggle to listen to our Lord. First, consider the one who is speaking. The disciples heard the voice of the Heavenly Father Himself. The One speaking to them is Creator; He is Ruler; He is Lord! If there is anyone worth listening to, it is our Heavenly Father.

God’s words are not just words from the One who is all-powerful, but they are also words of love! Fathers really do want what is best for their children. Even more, our Heavenly Father loves His children. Because the words of God are intended for our good in this life, and for our good eternally, it is worth listening!

Finally, the disciples were to listen to Jesus! Jesus is Lord. But, even more, Jesus is our Savior. Jesus came to earth, for us. Jesus suffered and died for us. Jesus rose for us. In my heart I really do want to listen to the one who has done all that for me!

The Heavenly Father spoke to the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration, After Jesus had risen and ascended, they better understood this experience. Peter wrote, “17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,” (2 Peter 1:17-20) Peter’s point was, “We needed to listen to the Heavenly Father when Jesus was transfigured. You need to pay attention to God’s Word as well.”

Don’t you want to listen to the All-Powerful Lord who loves you, who forgives you, who lovingly has your life in His hands? Remember the words of our Father in heaven. “This is my Son, my Chosen One; LISTEN to him!’"