Do your ears hang low? Do they wobble to and fro? Can you tie ‘em in a knot? Can you tie ‘em in a bow?
Most of us can’t tie our ears in a bow. But in October of 2021, the Guinness World Records confirmed a new record holder—Lou the Coonhound. Lou’s ears are a whopping 13.38” each, and her owner can tie ‘em in a bow!
No doubt about it, Lou is cute. But did you know that her long ears serve a purpose? Long ears were actually bred into coonhounds for tracking. Walking along with noses to the ground, coonhounds’ ears stir up other animals’ scents so they can follow the trail.
Of course, human ears serve a purpose also. They are quite practical. They hold our glasses, balance out our faces, and help us hear. Even more importantly, though, if we hear, we can listen.
Growing up, you may have heard the phrase, “God gave you two ears and one mouth. Listen twice as much as you talk.” But when was the last time you really considered the purpose of your ears?
You see, hearing is important, but listening is essential. When we listen, we process the information. Then we can “follow the trail.”
That’s why the words “ears” and “hear” are so important in the Bible. These terms appear several hundred times in the Hebrew and Greek of Scripture. In fact, having “ears to hear” was one of Jesus’ key phrases.
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Mark 4:9).
Wise hearing is always associated with God-approved actions. If we “hear” God with our ears, we “follow the trail” as well. Or, as James puts it, “Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves” (1:22).
Seeking God’s will takes active listening. As the Lord revealed through Isaiah: “Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live” (55:3). The oft repeated shema of the Old Testament enjoins us to “hear,” “listen,” or “heed” God.
Incline your ear to hear. Follow His Word, and enjoy the abundant life in Jesus.
By: Greg Wanderman