John 8:42-47 — Fine-Tuning Our Ears — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel with Aneel Aranha. Today we will reflect on John 8:42-47. Listen.

Jesus said to [the Jews], “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

In our daily lives, we are bombarded with countless voices - from the media, peers, and even our own inner thoughts. Amidst this cacophony, how do we discern the voice of God? Jesus provides a clue when he says, "Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say."

When Jesus speaks of "hearing," he isn't referring to the mere act of listening. It's about a deeper kind of understanding, acceptance, and internalization. It's about tuning into God's frequency. Just as a radio needs the right frequency to pick up a station, our hearts need to be attuned to God to truly hear his voice.

Jesus then makes a profound statement: "He who belongs to God hears what God says." This isn't about intellectual capability or theological expertise. It's about the heart's alignment. A heart aligned with God is receptive to his truths, while a misaligned heart finds his words incomprehensible or even offensive.

What hinders our spiritual receptivity? Sin, pride, and worldly distractions can desensitize us to God's voice. When we prioritize our desires over God's will or let worldly noise drown out his whispers, we drift away from his frequency.

So, how do we cultivate spiritual receptivity? We need to have a regular intake of his word. Just as our bodies need daily nourishment, our spirits need the regular intake of God's Word. Dig into the Scriptures, viewing them not merely as a routine but as a vital lifeline.

Spend time in prayerful listening. Prayer isn't just about speaking to God; it's also about listening. In the quiet moments of prayer, tune your heart to hear his gentle guidance.

Surround yourself with fellow believers who are also earnestly seeking God's voice. They can often help you discern God's voice, especially in confusing times. 

And, finally, regularly check your heart and life for sins that might be causing interference. Repentance clears the static in our hearts, allowing us to receive God's voice with clarity.

God bless you.