"For they look, but they do not really SEE. They hear, but they do not really LISTEN, or UNDERSTAND."
The prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled when Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. Those who were not listening carefully had what little they understood taken away from them. Isaiah had said that, "you shall indeed hear, but never grasp and understand. You shall look but never see and perceive". Matthew tells us about this same thing when he tells us that the Lord said, "whoever has ears to hear, let them listen and consider, then perceive and comprehend by hearing". There is a big difference between hearing and listening, looking and seeing. Believer's of Jesus Christ can see Him and they listen to Him. Why is it that non believer's can not see and do not listen or understand the Lord?
There is a big difference between hearing what someone has to say and listening to what they say. In order to comprehend and understand you have to truly consider what they are saying. You have to fully grasp and digest what they are trying to tell you. It is not enough to just hear the noise of their speech. When someone is talking to you there is a responsibility to pay attention and care about what they are saying. You should be able to both comprehend what they are saying and repeat back to them what you have heard. This proves that you have both listened and understood.
Just because you look at something with your eyes does not mean that you really see it or comprehend what you are looking at. Just because something is brought to the attention of your senses does not mean that you will understand it. Just because you hear something does not mean you have truly listened and understood. The big difference is you. Did you really pay close attention? Did you look at the detail or listen for the nuances? Do you give your full attention to the matter before you? Do you try with your whole heart to understand. That is the truth for today. Your eternal life depends on the way you can answer this question. When it comes to the message of the Lord, do you harden your heart and just receive the message in a cursory way or do you give what He is saying your whole attention and comprehension? When you see the evidence of the Lord are just looking or are you able to see? Pray today that you will be able to see, not just look for the Lord. Pray today that you will be able to hear, and then understand and listen to the Lord. SEE, LISTEN, UNDERSTAND!
