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“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”

When they were off by themselves, those who were close to him, along with the Twelve, asked about the stories. He told them, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works. But to those who can’t see it yet, everything comes in stories, creating readiness, nudging them toward receptive insight.”

Source: Mark 4:9-12 (The Message)

Jesus asks really loaded questions. They get to the heart of the issue. Jesus isn’t going to ignore what I am up to. Jesus is going to confront me. Jesus is going to let me in on the Kingdom. Now that is a big deal.

Am I listening to Jesus? Am I really listening? Honestly, many times I am not even trying. Other times, I give it a shot. Breakthroughs happen. The Spirit of God is my advocate for knowing more, even when I am distracted.

And there is this warning from Jesus (Luke 8:18): “So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.” In my heart, I beg for more. I don’t want what I have taken away from me.

What’s the big deal? Jesus gives me insight into the Kingdom (aka country) of God. Jesus lets me in on how things work. I don’t have to guess. Even if I don’t get it, Jesus is creating readiness, nudging me along. Jesus is patient. Now that is some Good News!

My goal is to listen to Jesus. Jesus is speaking to me. I have to quit talking and listen.

God has weighed in on this as well (Matthew 17:5). “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”

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Additional Resources you may be interested in

  • Teachings
    • Peacemakers – What is peace, how do we make it real and what is the promise of Jesus?
    • God is good – Would that explain why God is in a good mood and does good?  God is good y’all!
    • Hypocrisy – What it is, why it is evil and hated by Jesus
    • Everything Jesus had to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving
    • “Beware …” ~Jesus – What the New Testament has to say on deception by religions leaders
  • Devotions
    • Jesus Sayings  – Extensive set of devotionals on the 4 gospels and what Jesus has to say
    • Jesus Manifesto  – Devotionals on the Matthew 5 – 7
    • Wise Sayings – Devotionals on Proverbs and Psalms
  • What others say

Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, Υἱέ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν με τὸν ἁμαρτωλόν

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