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LISTEN MORE

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Apr 6
  • 3 min read
 

Readings:

Hebrews 4:1-5,11

Psalm 78:3-4,6-8

Mark 2:1-12

 


We need to listen more. When a professional in any field gives you a piece of advice, you take it based on the authority of the person’s competence. If you go to an auto mechanic and he tells you that there is a fault with your car, you do not question it. You rely on the competence of his expertise to do what you ought to do. Failure to do what you are told will lead to very severe consequences. If you go to the hospital and the doctor diagnoses you with an ailment and tells you to take a set of medications to feel better, you do not tell them that you checked on Google and you got a different result. You disregard the doctor’s advice at your peril. Why? Because he has competence in medicine.


In matters of spirituality, Jesus has competence. So, when four men brought the paralytic on a stretcher, Jesus knew what he needed and said, “My child, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5). Perhaps, this was a man who has told again and again, “Go to church”. He had neglected his spiritual life and squandered his time on social media, watching TV and reading newspapers. He probably does not take spirituality seriously. Perhaps he lived recklessly, and people have advised him to change his ways to no avail. His greatest need was to be restored to his relationship with God.


So, when Jesus encountered him, he did not say, “Get up and walk”. He knew this paralytic more than anyone else who was there. He diagnosed that he needed forgiveness for his sins. We do not realise how stubborn we are as human beings. We are very set in our ways. We only want to do what is in our minds. I have learnt in my ministry that people do not listen. In my ministry, I discovered that people come with their challenges and concerns, not to seek advice. They just want you to approve what they have in mind. Only a very small number are genuine in their desire for positive change. And even they had previously resisted every advice. If we desire the rest which God offers, we have to obey His words. We need to desire God’s will for our lives (“Lord, what do you want for me?”). Do this not just for yourself. But also for the children you will raise. If we fail to live by Divine injunctions, our children will suffer the effects of our disobedience. But if we correct in ourselves the things we struggle with and change our ways, we will make things easier for our children. They will see our walk with God and follow in our footsteps.


St Anthony of Egypt heard the words of Jesus and followed him resolutely: “If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21). Follow Jesus today, no matter the obstacles. If today you hear the word of God, do not harden your heart, and God will bless you through Christ our Lord. Amen.

JUDE-MARY OWOH


 

To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.


 

Prayer:

1. Eternal Father, thank you so much for the gift of one more day.

2. Help me, by Your grace, to follow where You lead, to listen to Your word and respond in obedience and total submission every step of the way through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
 
 

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