Yesterday I was reminded of a basic truth when it comes to the preaching and teaching of the Word. If the Bible is going to produce fruit in a life it must be heard. In Matthew 7 the wise man was able to obey the Scriptures because he heard the Word. The people at Pentecost were saved because they heard the Bible (Acts 2). Even Jesus told his disciples "if any man has ears let him hear."
I had taken a pain pill before the service so I was a little dull to begin with and made it a little hard to focus on the message. Then I sat in the overflow and as I looked up toward the preacher I was distracted by the crowd (It's amazing how many funny things people do while listening to a message). During one point in the message my thoughts drifted off to another Scripture that related to the point he was making. Then being a little deaf I had to really focus to hear all the words. To top it off I couldn't get off my mind what was coming next, all I could picture was dinner!
I thought later, it wasn't the preacher's fault I didn't receive much from the message, he was well prepared and presented it well. It was my lack of disciplined hearing, I wasn't paying attention. I learned a good lesson about my hearing and prayed for listening ears. Will you do the same the next time you sit under the teaching of the Word?
By the way I did leave the service desiring to have the determination and faith of Gideon.