Learn to Listen
I’ve been to the mountain top and the view is breathtaking… at times it’s frightening… on a clear day, you can see for miles… on a rainy day, the clouds hang low in the sky and envelop you. I have met God on the mountain top, and I have encountered and experienced His power, His majesty, His mercy and His love.
Jesus went to the mountain and something unusual took place… what happened? From Luke chapter 9 (vv.28-36)… “About eight days after these words, He took along Peter, John, and James, and went up on the mountain to pray.”
During their stay on the mountain, Jesus was changed; his physical features changed but it was still Jesus. More accurately and importantly, the divine nature of Jesus was unveiled. (Look up 2 Corinthians 3:16)
Moses and Elijah, two biblical characters from the Old Testament make an appearance… Why? The OT bore witness to Jesus in two people whose lives ended uniquely—Moses being buried by God (Deut. 34:5, 6); Elijah ascends to heaven in whirlwind (2 Kgs. 2:1). Moses represents the Law. Elijah represents the Prophets.
Jesus came to “fulfill” the Law and the Prophets; to accomplish or complete both. Jesus came to “turn the page” to a new chapter of the life of faith!
A cloud settles on the mountain; a symbol of God’s presence. From the cloud, God speaks and everyone hears… “This is My Son, the Chosen One (beloved); listen to Him!” According to the Gospel writers, God spoke aloud three times during the earthly ministry of Jesus; at Jesus’ baptism (Mk. 1:11); during triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:28). Now, the focus is on Jesus alone!
We imitate Jesus when we are first willing to “listen to Him”; to comprehend and understand what He commands us to do, and then, with a willing heart, we GO and DO IT!
How do we learn to listen to Jesus?
We first “take a hike” (with Jesus). Let Him lead you up the mountain; let Him take you on a journey, with a willingness to go and be ready for anything. There are times when you shouldn’t go alone, but you should invite others with you on the “hike” with Jesus.
We must “stay awake”. Be open… be engaged… be available… be quiet… and listen. Our comfort and complacency are enemies to listening well and clearly and to staying awake with Jesus.
Don’t forget to "remain grounded”! Connect often into God’s Word and with other followers of Jesus. Eventually, you have to come off the mountain to process what has happened to you. You have to be willing to share with others what you are hearing Jesus say to you so you can grow together and do “greater work” for the Kingdom. (John 14:12)
As we learn to listen to Jesus, we have to be willing to listen to others as a representative of Jesus…
Listening expands our understanding. Listen to learn; learn to understand fully!
Listening develops compassion. (for others who are different)
Listening increases leadership opportunities. (we become influencers) Galatians 6:9
Learn to listen to Jesus and the Holy Spirit will expand your understanding, develop compassion in you to increase your ability to lead others to Jesus.