Today, a group from our church watched an episode of The Chosen. The episode centered around Jesus' sermon on the mount. In previous episodes, the disciples and Jesus had been preparing for this moment. His message seemed to resonate with them in a profound way. I promised the group I'd try to preach a good enough sermon to follow suit.
I've heard of many people praying for the right miracle. I'm sure you have, too. Today's episode has me wondering if we should also pray for the right message.
The prophet Jeremiah preached to the people for twenty-three years (Jeremiah 25:3). In that time, the people did not respond. He said the people "neither listened nor inclined" their ears to hear. That's a long time to ignore what God is telling you. It's easy to focus on how stubborn the people were, but I also can't help thinking about how loving God must be to keep speaking for so long.
God will send prophets to speak the messages we need to hear. Preachers, too. While we may want miracles to rescue us, it is the messages that redirect us. And, most times, that may be what we need more of from God.
When things fall apart, we're quick to blame the devil. Maybe even God. But how much of what happens is a consequence of our unwillingness to truly hear? We're often better at explaining ourselves than examining ourselves. For God's people, their exile would be the way to unlearn what their comfort and selfishness had taught them.
Today is a good day to stop and listen for something God may have been patiently trying to tell you. Something you've been too busy, too distracted, or too certain to hear. Don't wait twenty-three years to hear the message that could change everything.
Stay blessed...john | 
No comments:
Post a Comment