This post is Day 25 in a series of studies about “Followers of Jesus”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Followers of Jesus – Day 25

In ordinary conversations with family and friends we are often distracted, reading messages on our phones at the same time, only listening with one ear. In doing that, we miss much of what is being said. We do not hear the emotions in the voice. We miss the facial expressions.

Acts 14:8-10

In Lystra, there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed, and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that the man jumped up and began to walk.

The Thought

This man had faith to be healed, because he had listened, really listened to what Paul was saying. That is a challenge to many of us today. In ordinary conversations with family and friends we are often distracted, reading messages on our phones at the same time, only listening with one ear. In doing that, we miss much of what is being said. We do not hear the emotions in the voice. We miss the facial expressions. It is good to give someone our full attention.

This man gave Paul his full attention, he received the message and it spoke to his heart.

The result: miraculous healing.

Those who preach and teach in large evangelical churches today, particularly in USA, know that they have to tell personal stories to get people’s attention. They have to make them really listen before the speaker can really get across the message that they carry from the Lord.

Paul’s life story and encounter with Jesus was very different to many of his listeners. But they heard what he said. They heard it in their hearts and they responded. In this case they still only heard half the message. They didn’t hear, really hear about Jesus. The result was the people treated them as gods, with disastrous results.

Action

Pray today that you will be a listener and really hear what God is saying to you. Whether it be through hearing a message via internet, going to church to hear a preacher or priest, or just speaking and praying with a friend or family member.