When Jesus was prophetically speaking to the churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 2-3), he concluded each message with these words:
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Jesus knew that his rebuke of these churches would not be well received. In truth, it could be said that the reason these churches had become lukewarm, indifferent, and even apostate is because they failed to adhere to the apostles teaching.
It’s easy to hear words of blessing or affirmation. And, there is a place for affirmation in Christian proclamation. When an inspired preacher proclaims, “Jesus is Lord!” the proper response is a hearty “Amen!”
But, when the inspired proclamation is “Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent” (Revelation 2:5); then the proper response is to “Be miserable and mourn and weep. . . Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord” (James 4:9-10).
Here’s the rub – when the sword of the living and active Word of God penetrates and judges the thoughts and intentions of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12) we too often become people with hardened hearts, impaired hearing, and blinded eyes (Matthew 13:15). A church that has embraced false doctrine willfully refuses to hear the truth. A couple engaged in sexually immorality prefers to ignore the inspired words of Paul to “Flee sexual immorality.” A congregation that lives in fear and anxiety resists the story of the Good Samaritan. A church that has been co-opted by its surrounding racist culture refuses to acknowledge that God loves the world. We tend to resist words with which we disagree, even if they are the words of God.
We need to cultivate the gift of listening in the Spirit. We need to hear the Word of God with anointed ears to hear, anointed minds to understand, and anointed hearts to be transformed. Paul exhorted,
Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil (1 Thess. 5:19-22).
Hearing in the Spirit means that we are willing to listen to words that make us uncomfortable. Prophetic utterances tend to boldly challenge embedded sinful traditions and cultures. The Spirit seeks to lift us out of the corruption of this present world and into heavenly places so that we can hear, see, and understand from the perspective of God’s kingdom. Prophetic proclamation offers an alternative reality. Instead of hate and violence, the Spirit calls us to a life of love and hospitality. Instead of “a tooth for a tooth” the Spirit provokes an alternative reality of “love your enemies” and “turn the other cheek.”
Paul also warns that some “prophetic speech” is evil, that is, the arrogant and vain words of false prophets. Therefore, all prophetic speech is to be discerned – carefully examined. So, we must ask, “What is the standard by which prophetic words are discerned?” The person of Jesus Christ. All prophetic words are to be judged by Christ’s love and his concern for righteousness and justice. Prophetic speech are the words of life to those who hear with anointed ears; but words of judgment to those with impaired hearing. I pray that God will heal my hearing.
