"The Price of Inattention"

Scripture Passage

Matthew 13:10-23; Luke 8:9-18; Mark 4:21-29; Matthew 13:24-30; Mark 4:30-34; Matthew 13:31-52; Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 8:23-27; Luke 8:22-25

Scripture Focus

Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” (Mark 4:24-25 NLT)

Observation

Okay, this is frustrating. There are sections of Scripture—maybe I’m just not that “spiritual”—but there are sections of Scripture where a guy has to fight and scrape just to find a speck of inspiration…a little something that seems to resonate deep in the heart. Then there are sections like today’s reading, where (as someone has said) it’s like trying to take a drink from a fire hose! Which of the multiplied potential “jumping off points” becomes the one from which you actually launch?

Jesus’ words to His disciples regarding the purpose of parables are, honestly, some of the most perplexing in Scripture, I think. (I know they may seem crystal clear to you, but to me, there’s a tension in what Jesus says that’s not easily resolved.) In essence, as best as I understand it, Jesus says, “My parables make things plain—but not necessarily on the first hearing; not necessarily at first glance. You’ve got to listen more than casually, consider more than lightly. Hardened hearts and darkened eyes may hear and see, but that doesn’t mean they’ll perceive and understand.” And that, I think, is why Jesus says…

“Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” (Mark 4:24-25 NLT)

There’s something significant here about the progressive nature of revelation in a person’s life—about the necessity of holding hard and fast to what’s been received (1) so that what’s given won’t be taken away and (2) so that more of what’s been parceled out can be added.  Inattentive listening apparently carries a significant pricetag. Or as my wife might say to a distracted student in her classroom, “Look me in the eyes!”

So, does He have your attention?

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