The third statement Jesus made to the churches of Asia Minor was, “He who has an ear, let him hear…”  These were not uncommon words spoken by Christ.  He used them several times during His earthly ministry (Matthew 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9, 23; Luke 8:8; 14:35).  He also used it later in the book of Revelation (Revelation 13:9).  Jesus is exhorting those to whom He speaks to listen attentively and obediently, something that is advisable to all who hear the words of Deity.  

As I said previously, our goal, both as churches and individual Christians, should be to imitate the commendable things that Jesus said to these churches in Asia Minor and to avoid the things condemned.  The first step in that process is to listen, something that many, maybe even most, people have a hard time doing.  Many obstacles stop people from listening, especially when it comes to the Word of God.  

Some people fail to hear what Jesus says because they have already made up their minds what course of action they want to take.  They know how they want to live their lives and no one is going to change their minds about it.  Some of the saints at Corinth serve as a good example of this.  In the first epistle to the Corinthians, Paul staunchly rebuked them for their many carnal ways.  In the second epistle to them, it is clear that many of the saints repented, but some refused to listen.  

2 Corinthians 12:21 (ESV)
²¹  I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.

People not willing to listen are not limited to those who refuse to change morally.  Sometimes people refuse to hear when it comes to doctrinal issues.  When Stephen spoke to the Sanhedrin, they did not like what He was saying about Jesus; thus, the Bible says, “when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him” (Acts 7:54).  Do you think they were listening to his words attentively?  No, they were hearing but their minds were already set.  Eventually, the record says, “they stopped their ears” (ver. 57).

Another reason some do not hear Jesus is because the truth of His words is distorted by false teaching.  For example, Jesus once said, “Not everyone that says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).  Still, a large portion of the religious world continues to believe and teach that man is saved by faith alone.  If Jesus were here in person today, He might say to them, “He who has an ear, let him hear.” 

Let me give you another example.  Jesus said, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved…”  Yet, the majority of churches continue to teach that baptism is not necessary for salvation.  Some need to learn to listen attentively and obediently to Jesus when He speaks.  Doctrinal bias formed by denominational creeds can stop people from listening to the truth. 

Do not allow your own will, predetermined beliefs, or words that contradict the teachings of Jesus stop you from hearing and believing the words of Christ.  Today, His words are found in the New Testament of the Bible.  “He who has an ear, let him hear.”  

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.