MATTHEW 13: 13
"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 in parables to the crowds. Those who were not listening carefully had what little they understood taken away from them. As Isaiah
said, you shall hear but never grasp or understand. You shall look but never see or perceive.
Matthew tells us the same thing in our One Truth Today. The Lord said, "whoever has ears to hear, let them listen and consider", "Let them perceive and comprehend by hearing". There is a big difference between hearing and listening, between looking and seeing. Those who believe Jesus Christ is the Lord God, can see him and they listen to His Words. Non believer's can not see or hear the Lord because "they look, but they do not really see, they hear but they do not really listen, and they do not understand"!
Do you really listen when you hear someone speak to you? Do you try to comprehend and understand what that person is saying to you? You have to truly consider and try to grasp what anyone is saying to you. It is not enough to just hear them speak. It takes your attention to hear, whoever has ears, let him hear. We all have a responsibility to pay attention and care when someone is talking to us. You should be able to repeat back what was said and give an explanation and comprehend what was said. This will prove that you have both listened and you do understand!
Just because we look at something with our eyes does not mean we have really seen it. Just because something is brought to your attention does not mean that you senses will be able to digest and understand it. Just because you hear something does not mean you have heard and understood it. The big difference is you and the attention that you give to the matter at hand. Are you trying and do you give your full attention? Do you look for the little details, do you listen for the nuances in the words spoken to you? In the case of the Lord your eternal life is on the line and your eternal destination will be dependent on whether you SEE, LISTEN, UNDERSTAND! We pray that today you will pay attention and you will be able to hear, see and then understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
