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Week 4: Listening to the Son
It’s a Matter of Perspective
Week 4, Day 7
Compliments and cut downs. Constructive criticism and complaints. For good or for ill, we hear what we want to hear—or at least what we think we have heard. If someone offers a compliment, we may not hear it in the spirit it was shared. The tone of voice, speaker, timing, and many other factors play into our interpretation of the other person’s words. We filter our listening through our perceptions, our past experiences, and our warped understanding. Two people can say the exact same thing, but we hear it better from one person than from the other. We also hear things better when they are presented from a different angle or highlight things in a way we can more easily understand. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John did that. They each shared the story of Jesus, but did so with different audiences and perspectives in mind.
Why do we have the gospel story shared in four different books?
Matthew wrote to the Jews about Jesus, the Messiah—the fulfillment of the prophecies and the One who established the kingdom.
Mark gave an action-packed account of how the people were amazed at all Jesus did.
Luke chose a more Gentile audience who was not familiar with the Jewish traditions and longed to hear other details highlighted during Jesus’ time on earth.
John focused more on who Jesus is and all He represents as the great I AM, the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us.
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Week 4: Listening to the Son
Listening at the Feet of the Cross
Week 4, Day 6
Today, we are listening through music. Whether or not you know the following hymn, reflect on the words as a promise of truth. For me, this listening exercise was most impactful when I pictured myself singing in front of the empty cross. And don’t forget to proclaim this truth-filled promise to others. Feel free to make notes in and around the blank cross on the next page, as you listen to the Son, our Redeemer.
I Know that My Redeemer Lives, by Fred A. Filmore
I know that my Redeemer lives,
And ever prays for me;
I know eternal life He gives,
From sin and sorrow free.
Chorus
I know, I know that my Redeemer lives,
I know, I know eternal life He gives;
I know, I know that my Redeemer lives.
He wills that I should holy be,
In word, in tho’t, in deed;
Then I His holy face may see,
When from this earth-life freed.
Chorus
I know that unto sinful men
His saving grace is nigh;
I know that He will come again
To take me home on high.
Chorus
I know that over yonder stands
A place prepared for me;
A home, a house not made with hands,
Most wonderful to see.
Chorus
We would love to hear from you! Please share with us what you are hearing and how you are growing in your devotion to listening.
This blog post is taken from the book Called to Listen: Forty Days of Devotion. To order a copy of this book, please visit our website and invite a friend to participate in the study with you. The book includes additional guides and questions to be reviewed in a small group context weekly.