John Hagee (December-16-2024) Daily Devotional: James 1:19 - So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
When we fail to respond properly to the Word of God, the Vinedresser picks up His tools. He sees us in need of pruning.
Be swift to hear! Jesus said it this way, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Mark 4:9). He was emphasizing the difference between an auditory function and an action. “He who has ears to hear” indicates an auditory function. “…let him hear” indicates a heart function.
When we hear the Word of God and respond from our hearts, it carries impact in our lives. But we can be slow of hearing. When we hear and fully understand, but we debate it...our debate is disobedience.
When Jesus spoke to the people, He said, “…hearing they do not hear…” (Matthew 13:13). They had closed their eyes and stopped up their ears. Their hearts were dulled, their understanding dimmed.
Obedience to His Word brings the blessings of God into our lives. Even though we may not completely comprehend His commands, we can trust Him. Delay and debate bring about His chastening.
It begins with a listening ear. When we hear it in His Word, let’s be quick to put it into practice. With our ears, with our hearts, let’s be swift to hear.
Blessing: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May you have eyes to see, ears to hear, a heart that is open to His Word, and feet that run to obey His commands. Receive the power of His truth in your life!
Today's Bible Reading:
- Old Testament - Micah 5:1-7:20
- New Testament - Revelation 7:1-17
- Psalms & Proverbs - Psalm 135:1-21, Proverbs 30:5-6
