Meditation Journey Day 10

As I promised, today we will begin to unpack verse 2 ‘… turning (inclining) your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,…” Our focus will be on our ears. The ear as referred to in this verse is not just the outer extension of flesh that sits on both sides of our heads. Our ears, designed and created by God, have the physical and mental capacity to received sounds and process information carried by the words we receive. Jesus often told His listeners, In Proverbs 2 God is telling us we need hearing ears to get the message from Him. His word is transforming but only as we receive it, store it and do it.

I love what Gods says about His word. It is God’s word from His mouth that makes the difference in our lives.

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11”

To hear His word, we have to be intentional listeners that want to be close to Him. Are you ready to reflect on turning/inclining your ears to Him?

First the passage… (I hope you read this!)

My son, if you receive (accept/take) my words and store up (hide) my commands within you, turning (inclining) your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for wisdom (insight) and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then (and only then) you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

My Child, if you …turn (incline) your ear to wisdom…

On first look this appears to be just an exercise of tilting the head towards the scripture. But God wants way more than a head nod from us. A deeper observation tells us there is much more being said. God is asking us to lean into Him and listen with our minds and hearts in order to hear His words, His tone and Wisdom. He is calling us closer to Him. Remember all scripture is God-breathe. To receive what He wants to give us requires us to be so close we can feel His breath. A beautiful picture is the image of God breathing into Adam the breath of life. (Genesis 2)  Another is the image of a Mother so close to her baby that the child’s cheek is warmed by her breath. When God says incline your ear unto My Wisdom He is calling you close to Him. Give me all your attention. Love me with all your heart, mind, soul and body.

Obviously the command to turn/incline our ear to wisdom means that our hearts are not fully bowed to Him. It reveals our need to continually recognize His absolute complete sovereignty and wisdom. We always have a choice to follow Jesus or not, but do not think following is a casual activity. It is an intentional hearing, listening and doing of God’s will.

Observation: Inclining our ears to wisdom and apply our hearts to understanding is a continuation of receiving and storing His Word within us.

Interpretation: The Father is now expanding on what receiving and hiding His word will look like in our lives. If we want the fullness of His Spirit and the grace for transformation we will turn our full attention to His Voice and His Word.

Application Prayer: Father God, give us ears to hear. Forgive us for our lack of attentiveness to your Word and Spirit. Help us to enter the Joy of Your Presence as we yield to your Sovereign Wisdom. Thank you for calling us closer to You through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Teach us what it means to listen to Your Word and to hear Your Voice.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

What is your take away?

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Thanks for listening. I hope you will pray for me and all the others that are on this journey. You may also want to send me comments, suggestions or questions. I promise I will respond to each inquiry.