Are You Listening?

 

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.” Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.” (Romans 10:17-20 ESV).

 

The cartoonist nailed many of the conversations Mary and I have each day. It usually begins with some innocent statement and inevitably ends in a serious declaration of how badly I need to see a doctor about my hearing. I could probably use an excuse about hearing loss. In fact, I often might answer with some sort of retort about the softness of her voice, or the road noise if we happen to be in the car. Perhaps someday I will actually do something about not hearing well.

 

But that’s not the kind of hearing Paul is talking about. He is showing us the difference between not hearing well and Not listening well. In our reading for today, Paul is quoting Psalm 19, which speaks of the heavens declaring God’s glory. But, as we know, not everyone pays attention to that message. The same happens when messengers bring the good news of God’s salvation. People don’t always listen. So, it’s not just a matter of hearing. Paul puts it plainly: “Did they not hear? Of course they did.” It’s a matter of paying attention and responding!

 

We must understand there’s a very clear picture of our response to the gospel. People respond with belief and acceptance, or they refuse to believe. Those who accept the gospel and embrace Jesus as Savior respond with genuine worship, grateful living, and a sure hope for eternal life. It’s humbling and important to realize this truth: “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

 

My hope is that you will be listening very carefully as the Holy Spirit calls you to respond with this great gift of grace and faith.