“Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians–we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:5-12 ESV)
Delbert was on a roll, preaching with all the emotion and intensity he could muster. He felt the Spirit’s anointing as he ministered to the congregation. Eye contact with the people proved he was connecting with them. “Amen!” echoed across the church, except for a lady in the middle of the people on the right side of the sanctuary. She watched him intently without any response. He wondered whether the Word impacted her at all.
After the benediction, as he greeted the exiting worshippers, she shocked Delbert with, “Pastor, that was wonderful sermon. It really spoke to my heart.” Delighted, he replied, “Thank you. I wasn’t sure that the sermon was touching you. You gave no visible sign that I could see.” The lady smiled, “Well, pastor, I use to listen only for points that I agreed with. I have learned, however, that I am blessed and grow more from hearing what I don’t know. So now I listen intently for points that surprise me and force me to ask, ‘What does this mean?’”
From a conversation with a mature Christian, Pastor Delbert learned a principle of growth, which so affected him that he applies it to his own life and ministry. In devotionals, Sunday School, lay training, sermons, and so forth Delbert doesn’t listen for affirmations of his own beliefs. He says fewer amens now because he listens for knowledge that he hasn’t yet understood, which challenge him to be transformed into what he needs to become.
Dear Father, thank you for the preaching of your Word. Open our ears for hearing what will transform us into what you want us to be. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today by transformed thinking,