He Who Has Ears, Let Him Hear

Have you ever tried explaining something to someone, and no matter how clearly you lay it out, they just don’t get it? You could be holding a flashing neon sign, jumping up and down, and they’d still miss the point. Frustrating, isn’t it?

Now imagine God, speaking loud and clear, and yet so many people still walk around with their spiritual earbuds in, nodding like they hear Him but going their own way. Let me tell you something – hearing isn’t the same as listening. And listening isn’t the same as obeying.

The Problem of Selective Hearing

Jesus said, “He who has ears, let him hear.” That wasn’t just some poetic throwaway line. It was a challenge. If you’ve got ears, use them. But here’s the kicker – we all have ears, but not everyone listens. Why? Because really hearing the word of God means we might have to change. And let’s be honest, change isn’t comfortable.

It’s easier to nod along to a feel-good message than to let the truth of God cut through your heart and convict you. People pick and choose the parts of the gospel that are convenient, ignoring the parts that demand surrender. We’re living in an age of "buffet Christianity" – taking grace without repentance, blessings without sacrifice, heaven without holiness.

The Frustration of Watching People Drift

I can’t tell you how heavy it feels to watch people drift away from the truth. You pour your heart into sharing God’s word, but some people treat it like background noise. And the saddest part? They settle for an alternative gospel – one that fits their lifestyle, makes no demands, and never steps on their toes.

But let me be clear – an alternative gospel is as good as no gospel at all. Half-truths lead to full destruction. There’s no compromise in the kingdom of God. Jesus didn’t say, “Follow me when it’s convenient.” He said, “Take up your cross.” And last I checked, crosses weren’t comfortable.

Doctrines of Men Over Commandments of God

After the Pharisees and Scribes rebuked Jesus’ disciples, He rebuked them for teaching the doctrines or traditions of man and elevating them over the commandments of God (Matt. 15:3). They made void the commandments of God in order to make their own fleshly traditions more important (Matt. 15:6). This was an affront to God.

When the disciples later came to Jesus, they said, “Master didn’t you realize that you just offended the Pharisees by what you just said” (Matt. 15:12)? Jesus was never concerned with winning friends and influencing people, and He never desired popularity with the people, including the religious leaders of the day.

He reminded the disciples that whatever is not planted by God will be plucked up and thrown into the fire someday (Matt. 15:13). Therefore, He said to just let them be because they are only like a blind person leading another blind person, and both are headed for the pit (Matt. 15:14). Was this a reference to the fiery pit of hell or the lake of fire (Rev. 20:12-15)? It could have been.

Following a denomination is often following man’s doctrine rather than God’s commandments. Many denominations emphasize their traditions, rules, and teachings, sometimes at the expense of what the Bible actually says. Jesus consistently pointed people back to the Word of God, not the interpretations or regulations of men.

If our faith practice is shaped more by denominational allegiance than by God’s word, we risk falling into the same trap as the Pharisees. The focus must always remain on God’s truth, not man’s additions.

Comfort Over Conviction

Here’s the tough truth: People love comfort. Conviction disrupts that comfort, and so they turn down the volume on God. We’ve become professionals at drowning out the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. But let me remind you – ignoring God doesn’t make Him stop speaking. It just makes us stop growing.

Choosing comfort over conviction is like choosing to sleep through an alarm clock that could save your life. God isn’t calling you to stay in your cozy bed of complacency. He’s calling you to wake up, get dressed in righteousness, and walk boldly in His purpose.

A Plea for True Listening

Friends, if you’ve got ears, I’m begging you to listen. Not just to hear the words, but to let them sink deep into your heart. Let them mess with your plans, challenge your perspective, and transform your life. Stop making excuses. Stop looking for loopholes. The world doesn’t need more lukewarm Christians. It needs people who are on fire for the real gospel – the one that saves, convicts, and restores.

Conclusion

Let’s not be people who need constant nudging. Let’s be people who respond to the first call. Let’s trade our comfort for conviction and our selective hearing for total obedience. The gospel isn’t a suggestion. It’s a command. And it’s the only thing that will ever lead to true life.

So if you’ve got ears – let them hear. And if you’re hearing right now, don’t just sit there. Do something about it.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that convicts, restores, and leads us to truth. Open our ears and soften our hearts so that we may not only hear but obey Your call. Give us the courage to reject comfort and follow You with boldness and sincerity. Let us not be swayed by the doctrines of men but remain firmly planted in Your unchanging truth. May we walk in Your light, reflecting Your love and standing strong in the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.