“Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

(Matthew 11:15, NIV)

In a second-grade classroom, the teacher read a story about a little girl who flew around the world in a magical hot air balloon. The book described all the incredible places she visited — ancient castles, exotic jungles, deserts full of camels, and big bustling cities. Toward the end of the story, the book mentioned how the little girl saw one of America’s most iconic landmarks — the Statue of Liberty.

After the story, the teacher turned to the class and asked, “Can anyone remember something the little girl saw on her journey?”

Hands shot into the air.  “Camels!” said one student.  “A jungle!” shouted another.  And then one boy—very confidently—yelled out, “The Spatula Delivery!”

Close… sort of. It’s amazing how often we hear what we expect to hear, not necessarily what’s actually being said.  Whether it’s in conversations, sermons, or even in our time with Scripture, we can sometimes miss the real message because we’re not truly listening. We’re assuming, skimming, or distracted.

That’s why Jesus so often said, “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” He wasn’t stating the obvious — everyone has ears.  He was issuing a challenge: Are you really listening?  Are you open?  Are you willing to hear something that might stretch you, correct you, or move you in a new direction?

Think about how often we skim over a familiar Bible verse and think, “Yeah, I’ve heard that before,” without pausing to ask, “What is God trying to say to me right now?” Or how often do we hear someone’s words but miss their heart?  We assume we know what they mean before they finish.

Listening — real listening — is a spiritual discipline.  It takes humility.  It takes patience.  And it takes intention.  Spiritual growth begins when we learn to slow down, be fully present, and tune in — whether we’re in prayer, reading Scripture, or sitting across the table from a friend who just needs to be heard.

And when we really listen, we start hearing what matters most… and that can change everything.

Prayer: Lord, help me to hear — not just with my ears, but with my heart.  In a world full of noise, give me the wisdom to slow down and really listen to your Word, to others, and to the nudges of your Spirit.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day