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LCO- Listen, Comprehend, and Obey
Justin SmithMatthew 16:7-11
“At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread? Don’t you understand even yet? Don’t you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of leftovers you picked up? Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves, and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up? Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’”
As Anaya, my 6 year old daughter, has grown in wisdom and stature, she has begun to listen in on Danice and my conversations. The old trick of spelling words out to keep them secret no longer work, as her perceptive mind is always teeming with intrigue. In fact, yesterday as we were planning a family event, I texted Danice about going to the beach, and not a moment later I heard Anaya scream out “I read the beach on mom’s phone”, as she grabbed it before Danice could. Her passion to grow, to know, and to learn has tremendously increased her ability to perceive and comprehend the world around her.
This came to mind as I read this passage in Matthew. The disciples discovered that someone forgot to pack their picnic dinner, and Jesus, overhearing their conversation declared, “Watch out…beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees". Jesus, fully intending to teach them a vital Kingdom principle, was completely misunderstood, as the disciples began quarreling, casting blame on one another for their forgetfulness. Hearing but not comprehending, seeing yet not understanding, the disciples still had not grown in their wisdom and faith to the point of understanding the greater things of the Father.
To listen, comprehend, and obey doesn’t happen by default. It begins with knowing of Him, growing in Him, and becoming like Him. It’s so much more than just checking off a devo box or spouting off a mealtime prayer; it’s growing my faith and soul into one that is teeming with intrigue for My Father and His Kingdom. It’s desiring a deeper understanding, it’s being fully engaged, it’s combating complacency for the sake of commitment and comprehension. It’s following the innocent example of my daughter who is ever inquisitive, always alert, and constantly curious to grow more and know more, maturing into a child that pleases the Father.
Today, I commit to pursue greater perception of His principles that I might please Him. When He speaks I desire not only to listen but to hear His heart, grasp His eternal purposes, and understand His Divine plans for my life. May I find unspeakable joy, as Anaya did, when His plans for me are revealed, and may I dive in, head first in faith, believing that His plans are good and He is love. May I be one who listens, comprehends, and obeys that I might bring Him great glory.
Heavenly Father,
Please forgive me for those times that you have spoken and whether due to busyness, ignorance, or sin I have completely missed what you were trying to reveal. May my heart be teeming with intrigue that I might better know You and Your plans. Allow me to hear your whispers and to listen, comprehend, and obey that I might grow in You and bring glory to You.
In Jesus' name, Amen
