When something God-sized needs to be said, Jesus speaks clearly through his Word and through the Holy Spirit. The question is, will the hearers listen?
When something God-sized needs to be said, the church is God's plan to communicate that to the world.
But humans' ears get clogged way too easily. Clogged by tunnel vision, stress, fear of failure, approval addiction, stubbornness, disobedience, and on and on...the spiritual ear wax needs to be broken through with a bull horn from Jesus.
The Church's ears, also as a whole, can become clogged by infighting, (our pastor says that sometimes the church is the only one to shoot it's wounded), broken relationships, doubt, worry and fear, to name a few. The bull horn Jesus would use is also the church. So we hear from Jesus and then respond right? No, we want to give the bull horn back to Jesus. But the responsibility is OURS.
Effective communication can clear a lot of clogged ears that aren't used to listening. God is refining our church. He's refining me. I'm listening. I'm not singing Jesus take the wheel--or the Bullhorn, but saying right now: Jesus I hear you. I've got the bullhorn in my hands, and I'm about to go make some noise. Others must hear you through me. Anything less just leaves more spiritual ear wax.
So onward with clarity and off with the spiritual ear wax. Anybody listening?
"Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” Rev. 3:19-22
2 comments:
I think the Spirit is saying to all who will listen..."Get over yourself, and do what I called you to do in the first place...stop making it about you--stop the fighting, arguing, judging, and ridiculousness"!
There's work to be done for the Kingdom...let's get to doing it!
:-)
Good posting!
Rachele
I often struggle with "taking the bullhorn," and instead choose to be a witness more through my actions and words. I don't want to wimp out, but I find it a challenge to witness to others, as I'm sure many people do. This message gives me lots of food for thought. Well said, Derik!
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