Written by John Henry Jewett (1864-1923), British preacher and author.
When we hear the word, but do not do it, there has been a defect in our hearing. We may listen to the word for mere entertainment. Or we may attach a virtue to the mere act of listening to the word. We may assume that some magical efficacy belongs to the mere reading of the word. And all this is perverse and delusive. No listening is healthy which is not mentally referred to obedience. We are to listen with a view to obedience, with our eyes upon the very road where the obedient feet will travel. That is to say, we are to listen with purpose, as though we were Ambassadors receiving instructions from the King concerning some momentous mission. Yes, we must listen with an eye on the road.
Go near and listen to all that the Lord our God says. Then tell us whatever the Lord our God tells you. We will listen and obey. [Deuteronomy 5:27]
Pathways Press.com 