I don’t like to admit it, but the accusation rings true–I wasn’t listening! Ever heard much the same yourself? Who hasn’t, if you’re honest? How easily we get caught up in our own thoughts. Our plans. Our discouragements. Our politics. Me…me…me. So much so that our clogged ears cut off messages coming our way from those who love us. And even from God.

2 Kings 17 and 18 describe the reasons for ancient Israel’s exile from their promised homeland. Why they were scattered far, far away. Which were? Well, you know. Simply put–disobedience, embracing other gods, bad decisions, and foolish commitments, all of which, and more, got them where they least wanted to be. Far from home. Farther away from their God. Again, why? Because they would not listen… to Him.

2 Kings 17:14–‘But they would not listen, but were stubborn, as their fathers had been, who did not believe in the Lord their God.’ And then verses 40-41–‘However, they would not listen, but they did according to their former manner…and also served their carved images.’ And 2 Kings 18:12–‘…they did not obey the voice of the Lord their God but transgressed his covenant, even all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded. They neither listened nor obeyed.’ Hmm? Did you hear that? Hello? Anybody there?

Take the fingers out of our ears to listen to God. Where? It should be quite obvious. Of course, the Bible. It’s His Word. He speaks to us. Expresses Himself clearly and decisively. All we need to do is, well, listen. Open those pages, blow off any gathered dust, dig in, be all ears, and tune in to the Word of the Lord!

I’ve never met anyone anywhere who regretted reading and digging deeper into their Bible. Have you? All the regrets work the other way around. Not enough time spent listening to Jesus. No idea what God has in mind about almost anything. Lacking comfort and confidence, unaware of our Lord’s promises found you-know-where.

So get off your duff, so to speak. Get into your Bible. Better yet, get God’s Word into you. No regrets. But be forewarned. The more you read, the more you’ll want of your God, who can be heard from in those inspired pages from Genesis to Revelation. The hunger deepens. The satisfaction intensifies and keeps you motivated to spend more quality and quantity time with Jesus.

Got your listening cap on? What do you hear?

Lord Jesus, help me to be a better listener. For your sake. Amen.