‘And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you”‘ (Mark 4:24 ESV).
Jesus instructed His disciples to “pay attention” to His teachings. For the greater the measure of their concentration on listening to Him, the greater their understanding would be. This principle might be restated as “Listen and learn.” And with greater listening there will be greater understanding.
Yet, there is a spiritual component. For Christ is making a promise to those that pay close attention to His teachings that they will be given more and more understanding. For the Word of God applied by the Spirit of God transforms the mind of the hearer, so that they might know and live by the will of God.
Let us respond to the Word of the Lord as the young prophet Samuel was taught to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears” (1 Sam. 3:9).
Do you have ears to hear?
PRAYER: Dear Father, speak to us today for we are listening. Give us spiritual ears to hear Your voice. Instruct us and encourage us by Your Word. Transform our thinking, so that we have the mind of Christ on all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.