“Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those whose listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” Mark 4:24-25

In this chapter, we see how Jesus used parables to teach the disciples and crowds that followed Him. In many of Jesus’s lessons, I noticed that He commonly would tell His disciples to pay close attention to what they hear and to listen to His teaching - that the closer they listen, the more understanding they will have.

God gives us more understanding and knowledge about who He is the more time we spend just listening to Him and hearing His voice. The reason that many people who were in the crowd could not understand what Jesus’s parables meant is because they were not truly listening and taking the time to understand them. They were just there to be there…maybe because it seemed like the popular thing to do? Maybe because their friends were there?

I know that for me personally—I’ve been guilty many times of “listening” to someone talk to me but not ACTUALLY listening...and if I’m honest…I’ve treated God the same way. God desires for us to know Him deeply and to get past the “surface level” conversations with Him. He wants to give us more understanding about who He is. However, in order for that to happen, we need to first listen and seek Him with all of our heart. He deserves our full attention!

Question for Today:

What are some things in my life that are hindering me from hearing God’s voice?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to listen to Your word and to grow in my knowledge and understanding of who You are. Help me to not let outside distractions take my focus away from spending time with You. Amen!