If you’ve preached in church for a while and watched your listeners, you’ve probably noticed that some don’t listen. I realize some may be faking it; they may actually be listening even though they look like they’ve checked out. However, it is a reality of pastoral preaching that some parishioners don’t listen. Some do not hear God’s Word, don’t receive God’s Word, and are not changed by it. It’s very easy to get upset with them.
In Luke 9:54, Jesus’ disciples, James and John (a.k.a., sons of thunder!) ask Him, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” What a way to react to those who don’t listen! Yikes! Jesus’ abridged answer: “But he turned and rebuked them” (v. 55). That’s it. Ryken says, “it was still time for mercy.”
What were they thinking? Well, they were protecting Jesus; their Lord was being insulted. They were extremely zealous for God and for souls (OK, at least they were extremely zealous for God). It’s easy for us pastors to harbor ill-will towards those who don’t listen. It’s extremely difficult for us to shepherd people we wished weren’t there! However, Jesus made it very clear that His disciples’ plan of attack was inappropriate. Later on in Luke 23:34 we read our Lord saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” May our Lord extend grace to help us love those who don’t listen.
It’s true. Despite our honest attempts to communicate God’s message, there are people who simply refuse to listen. I’m always waiting for individual breakthroughs to happen when they will finally “get it”–that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of their lives. However, we should also consider that some people’s brains have “checked out” because a preacher is communicating poorly. Even I, sometimes, have to struggle to keep my brain actively involved when another pastor is delivering a sermon that’s not being communicated well.
Great reminder, Brian, for us to communicate well. I’ve often wondered about the mysterious mixture of the Spirit creating the desire and capacity to hear and the Spirit-filled preacher who is “easy” to listen to. Keep up the good work of faith.