40 DAYS in the GOSPEL Sample

WHO HAS YOUR EAR?

"And he said, 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear.'" (Mark 4:9)

I (Shawn) am not a fan of most background music. I’m in a store, and I hear a bad version of some popular song. The vocals are bad. The guitars are fake. And after a while, I tune it out.

They tell me there is a purpose to background music when you’re shopping. Fast music when crowds are there is supposed to spur you on to a purchase. Slow music is to make you comfortable so you feel like staying awhile. Youthful pop in a hip clothing store is supposed to make you feel like you belong in these stylish clothes. But I’m not listening. It’s just background noise.

Jesus was one of many rabbis in His day. Each of them gathered followers by their teaching. I’m guessing some were quite eloquent and amazed their followers with brilliant insight and good wisdom. In the middle of all these voices was the voice of God with a time-sensitive ministry and message. Some listened. Some ignored it like the background music of the day.

In the same way, there are podcasts today with popular wisdom and millions of followers. These podcasts include everything from advice on relationships to how to get rich—each of them vying for your attention.

You can choose today who has your ear. Will it be the constant dribble of news, social media, your bitter uncle, or your own wandering heart? Or will it be Jesus and the good news of the gospel? It matters. God spoke in the past in many ways. “But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son...” (Hebrews 1:2a). Who will you give your ears to today?

PRAY ABOUT IT: Father, forgive me for not listening well. I say yes to your good news today. Christ died. Christ is risen. Christ lives in me. I am secure in you.