Are You Listening?

(Luke 8:16-18 HCSB) 16 “No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see its light. 17 For nothing is concealed that won’t be revealed, and nothing hidden that won’t be made known and come to light. 18 Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”

When I was a youngster, our Sunday School teachers taught us a song entitled, Be Careful Little Eyes What You See. The song was an encouragement to be aware that the Heavenly Father was lovely watching over us. Knowing this, we were encouraged to guard everything that could negatively impact our relationship with Him. One of the verses said…

O be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little ears what you hear
There’s a Father up above
And He’s looking down in love
So, be careful little ears what you hear

Luke recorded some very important words spoken by the Lord. Jesus began with the practical reality that people do not light lamps and then cover it with a basket. There are three observations that should be made.

• To cover the lamp would be counterproductive. Why go to the trouble? Why attempt to drive away darkness by covering the very flame lit to drive it away? Jesus rightly points out that “no one” would do that. Instead, they would display the lamp prominently so everyone would benefit from the light. The light represents the truth of the Gospel. Jesus is saying that we have a responsibility to embrace truth, and to share truth. Our lives should be a reflection of the truth of the Gospel.
• To cover the lamp with combustible material would bring devastation. The lamp under the straw basket could only be contained until the heat build-up ignited into a raging fire. Here, Jesus wants everyone to know that there is a responsibility to reveal truth, but if we attempt to hide it, it will be revealed anyway. The basket meant to cover truth will be devoured, and truth will break forth regardless of our effort to keep it “under wraps.” Nothing will be allowed to hide the truth!
• Take care how you listen. The way we listen determines the level of truth by which we live. As a pastor, I’m constantly counseling people to comply with scriptural truth. If my truth is not consistent with scripture I cannot expect my life to be filled with His blessings. The more truth I accept, the more blessing I will receive. The more truth I reject, the more blessing will be forfeited.

When I was a child, my parents would often request my full attention. I can still hear in my mind the voice of one of my parents saying, “Robbie, please listen to me. You’re NOT listening! Look at me and acknowledge that I am speaking to you.” Sometimes they would say, “What did I say? What did I just tell you? You don’t know because you were not listening!” 

And, that really is the message. Jesus knew how important it would be for us to pay close attention to His truth. It is the key to our blessings. Without it, we stand to lose much. But, when hearing and applying His truth, we stand to gain more than we can imagine!

Take care how you listen!

PRAYER: So much of my prayer life is me speaking to you, Father. Today, I intend to listen much more. I’m listening now………….