Learning to Listen #27

In Luke 10, Jesus is sending out seventy some disciples, giving them instructions on what to say, what to do, and how to respond when people and cities either receive or reject them. He pronounces woes on those who are not willing to receive them, comparing them to the likes of Sodom and other cities who have no time for God, His Word, or His ways. He then concludes His charge with this remark:
16 “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” 

Those are very sobering words.  Somehow I don't imagine Jesus gritting His teeth and shaking His fist as He says them. The same is true of His words of woe against those cities which would reject Him. In fact, that word indicates more sorrow than anger.  The point is that God wants people, cities, nations, to hear Him and listen to Him, because if they not they are rejecting God. The same is true of us. If we are listening to God and sharing what He says, and people refuse to listen, our response is not to be one of anger and self-righteousness, put sorrow.  

Thankfully, in the next verse, we get the follow-up, where the disciples report that many did hear, listen and respond favorably to the Gospel. Jesus rejoiced, and gave praise to God. The emphasis was not on those who did not receive them, but those who did. May we listen better, so we get not only the Word of God, but the heart of God, and see more willing to receive Him.