PODCAST
Who Is Listening?
February 6th, 2017
Luke 6:27-36
How many times has a parent asked their young children: “Are you listening to me?”
Jesus asked a similar question of a large crowd, including His disciples, in Luke 6:27: “But to you who are listening I say . . . .” Were they not all listening? Or was Jesus calling them to pay closer attention, to not only listen but to absorb the impact of His teaching? Thoughtful listening sparks understanding that leads to action.
Positive action benefits others. Jesus wants His hearers to do things that are contrary to human nature. Things like choosing to love those who are hateful; invoking blessings on those who make life miserable for others; unselfishly loaning things one may never get back, and then praying for those same difficult people.
The call for us today has not changed. We must actively place others before self. Thankfully, neither has the promise changed, that one day if life is lived this way, “Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High” (Luke 6:35b).
Author: Edith Miller
