Are You Listening? ∙∙∙

Are You Listening? ∙∙∙

Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! – Deuteronomy 6:4

Mark 12:28-34

“One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important?’

Jesus replied, ‘The most important commandment is this: Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD.’ ‘And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’

‘The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.

The teacher of religious law replied, ‘Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.’

Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, ‘You are not far from the Kingdom of God.’ And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.”

The Importance of Listening

“La, la, la, la, I am not listening!” How often have we encountered this phrase in the media or casual conversation? It reflects a growing tendency in society to stop listening. For one reason or another, people have just stopped listening. When people stop listening, communication breaks down, and relationships suffer.

The quality of our connections with others is deeply influenced by how well we listen. Genuine listening demonstrates that we value and respect the person speaking, laying the foundation for meaningful relationships built on trust and understanding.

Hearing vs. Listening: A Critical Distinction

There is a significant difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is primarily a physical process involving the ears. It allows us to perceive sounds such as thunder, ocean waves, or music. While hearing is one of the five senses, it is passive and does not require active engagement.

Listening, on the other hand, goes beyond simply perceiving sounds. It involves understanding and actively engaging the mind to comprehend what is being communicated. Listening is a skill that can be developed and refined, requiring focus, empathy, and intentionality.

The Role of Listening in Relationships and Leadership

Effective communication, comprehension, and wise decision-making are the cornerstones of healthy relationships and appropriate actions. Listening plays a pivotal role in fostering these qualities.

In leadership, listening is equally vital. As Andy Stanley wisely observed, “Leaders who refuse to listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing helpful to say.” Leaders who actively listen create an environment where ideas, feedback, and collaboration thrive, strengthening their teams and organizations.

Listening in Scripture: A Higher Calling

The Scriptures elevate the act of listening to a profound spiritual level. True hearing, as emphasized in the Word of God, goes beyond absorbing sounds. It involves actively engaging with the message and responding to it.

Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!”

This verse, known as the Shema, is central to the Jewish faith. Pronounced “Sha-MAH,” the Shema lies at the heart of the Jewish faith. It is a credo that has guided the Jewish people for centuries. It is recited daily as part of their prayers and serves as a declaration of their unwavering faith in the one true God.

The Shema: A Declaration of Monotheism

The original Hebrew of Deuteronomy 6:4, translated as “The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!” contains only four words: יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ יְהוָ֥ה׀ אֶחָֽד It could be literally translated as “YHWH our God YHWH one.” Despite its brevity, this verse carries profound meaning.

At its core, the Shema is a definitive expression of monotheism. It declares that YHWH, the Lord God of Israel, is unique and without equal. All other deities are false gods, mere fabrications of human imagination. Moses affirms that “Our God is God,” rejecting polytheism and affirming the singularity of the one true God.

The Deeper Meaning of Shema

The Hebrew word Shema, translated as “hear” or “listen,” conveys more than just the act of hearing. It means “listening attentively, paying close attention, and responding with action.” When the Father speaks, Shema often carries the added nuance of obedience. It could be rendered as, “Listen, pay attention, and take action.”

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father calls us not only to hear His words but to listen attentively, take action, and remember His teachings. Listening to Him is both a privilege and a responsibility, one that deepens our relationship with Him and aligns our lives with His will.

Father, thank You for the privilege and opportunity to listen to You. Encourage my heart to do so throughout all the days of my life.

INSIGHT

The Greatest Commandment: A Call to Love and Devotion

When the Lord Jesus Christ was asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” He responded by quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5, emphasizing the foundation of our faith as children of the King.

A Faith Rooted in Relationship

Our faith is not merely a set of rituals or doctrines; it is centered on a personal, loving relationship with the living God. When we truly love the Father, our hearts are drawn to know Him, follow Him, and serve Him. This love inspires our actions, not out of obligation, but from a deep desire to please and obey Him.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5: “Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone.
And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”

This love is not a fleeting emotion or a spontaneous feeling. It is a deliberate commitment, love in action.

The Shema: A Call to Action

The verb Shema, translated as “hear,” is an imperative, a command. The Shema is not merely an invitation to listen but a call to action. It declares that the Father is the sole object of our devotion and allegiance. He requires the loyal love of every child of the King, a love that is expressed through obedience and faithfulness.

The Privilege of Listening to the Father

Listening to the Father is an incredible privilege. This honor was first given to the Nation of Israel, to whom the Father revealed Himself in powerful ways. Through His voice, His fire, and His mighty acts, He showed His power and love.

This same privilege is now open to everyone who develops a personal relationship with Him through the Lord Jesus Christ. A close and meaningful connection with the Father is available to all who seek Him.

Deuteronomy 4:35-39:

“He showed you these things so you would know that the LORD is God and there is no other. He let you hear his voice from heaven so he could instruct you. He let you see his great fire here on earth so he could speak to you from it.

Because he loved your ancestors, he chose to bless their descendants, and he personally brought you out of Egypt with a great display of power. He drove out nations far greater than you, so he could bring you in and give you their land as your special possession, as it is today.

So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The LORD is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other.”

Listen, Pay Attention, Take Action, and Remember

The Shema serves as a timeless reminder to listen carefully, to pay close attention to the Father’s words, to act in obedience, and to remember His faithfulness. This call to love and devotion is the foundation of our relationship with the one true God.

Listening is more than just a skill; it is a spiritual discipline that deepens our connection with God and others. By truly listening, we honor the Father, build trust in our relationships, and grow in wisdom.

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© Dr. H 2025