Not Hearing

Jesus said, “Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God.” The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and he is the judge. Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, ‘He is our God,’ though you do not know him. But I know him; if I would say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. John 8:47-59 

There is often so much noise in this world. And some people like to shut everything out by plugging their ears with headphones, or turning up their own music way up. Others just quit listening all together. Last Saturday night, a thunderstorm arose and we were sitting out on a porch with large picture windows. We chose to sit there, listening and watching the wonderful show. We could have retreated to the quieter places. I was so glad not to miss the deep rumbles and the loud pops, and the full range of nature's voice praising God. And we were so glad for the rain. Jesus invites us to tune back in and listen to God's still small voice, sounding in places strange and hidden.

Wondrous God, you turn our fragile earth

and set the planets in their regular courses

still speaking your love to those who listen

still aching to touch the broken places.

Help us to lean in and start listening

to you and to the world you have made.

Let us hear the cries of the needy and hurting

and let us be those who speak love to the darkness. Amen.