Are You Listening?

How well do you and I listen, really listen, to what others are saying? It takes concentration and today multi-tasking takes precedence over giving our full attention to those who are talking with us. Listening, really listening, is not only being polite, it just may benefit us as we hear the full import of what is being said. Listening, really listening, means I need to pay attention.

A question I ask myself, “˜Am I listening with acute attention to what God is saying through His word? Or do I multi-task and not “˜catch”™ what is being said? Perhaps I ignore what God is saying because, after all, I am a good person and I really am doing okay. Am I listening?

In Luke 5:1-5 the scene is set. As a typical day in Galilee is considered, the sun is probably shining, and the waters of Lake Gennesaret reflect the blue of the sky. Jesus is standing nearby with people crowding around Him. Men and women with their children, getting as close as possible to hear this Man Who is preaching the word of God.

Not all the people can see Jesus well, not all can hear every word He is saying.

Jesus saw two boats on the shore of the lake. Two fishing boats that had been in use during the night and the fishermen are finishing up their jobs as they wash their nets.

Jesus gets into one of the boats and asks Simon to put out a little way from shore. Then Jesus sat down, facing the people on shore, and began to teach them. Jesus”™ voice would have been heard clearly by all the people on the bank of the lake as the water would have acted like a microphone. All the people would have been able to see Jesus better, also.

How does the Lord Jesus teach us today? He still uses the word of God as found in the Holy Bible. (NASB) Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet