God is speaking, listen and Obey

Rev Enoch Thompson | APRIL 11, 2023 | Matthew 11:11-15

KEY VERSE:

He who has ears, let him hear. Matt 11:15 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

The text today continues the Lord’s commentary on the person and ministry of John the Baptist. John the Baptist was the greatest of all that had come ahead of him as a prophet of God because he was the fulfilment of the great prophet who was to immediately precede the fulfilment of all that had been prophesied about the Messiah. And yet the least in the Kingdom that the Messiah will usher in was to be considered greater than John. Kingdom greatness lifts the believer above anything that elevates people in the general context of human existence.

The Lord was pointing out to the Jews that since John was the prophesied Elijah who was to come (Malachi 4:5-6), then the arrival of the Messiah they had waited for all centuries was at the door, and their national and worldwide salvation was at hand, even in their midst.

What the Lord was saying about John the Baptist was true, and the One speaking those words was Himself the Truth. Like all truth, the important thing is not the knowing of it but the correct engagement with that truth. Therefore, the Lord concludes the section with “He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 11:15 (NIV). Certainly, the people in the crowd had ears, and they could hear the sound of the Lord’s voice in His teaching; but were they hearing, as to understanding and taking the necessary steps to fit into the Kingdom of the Messiah? To truly understand is to be so convinced of a truth as to stand under that truth, that is live by that truth and benefit from that truth. It is sad that too many people, even in the church, have ears for decoration rather than ears for hearing.

We need to understand, because “When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.” Matthew 13:19 (NIV).

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

God is speaking of the soon coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, as we see the signs of the end times all around us. Can you hear what the signs are saying? Are we living as a people awaiting the Rapture of the Church? Stand under the word of God to show that you understand God’s word!

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for the truth you always make known to your waiting people. I pray that I will have ears that hear, a heart that yields, and a life that stands under what I understand. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!