SCRIPTURE: Revelation (NIV) 2:11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death…. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches…. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 3:6,13,22,29
OBSERVATION: Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation contain 7 individual messages to 7 churches. Each message ends with the same message. They are to use their ears to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Communication is such an important God given ability. When He created man, it was His practice to appear in the garden to spend time with His creation. (Genesis 3:8) God clearly created man to communicate with each other and to communicate with Him.
Speaking is a very important part of communication, but just as important is listening. I think of hearing as listening to understand. Ears make listening possible, but God wants more that that we hear sounds. He wants us to “hear” His message, to understand and respond.
APPLICATION: The SOAP method of Bible reading helps insure we “hear” what God is saying. The APPLICATION emphasizes the personal aspect of God’s Word. I read it, but what does it mean to me? What is my response to what God is saying?
There is an important part that follows “hearing” what God is saying; it is “doing” what we hear God speaking to us. Our “doing” shows God that we understand what He said and are trying to put it into practice. It shows God that we heard Him.
PRAYER: Lord, I pray for the SOAP readers who are working to apply Your word to their lives. Fill their hearts with peace and joy. Show them the benefit of truly hearing what you are speaking. Amen
Pastor Leon
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