“He who has ears, let him hear.” Jesus often used this line, gently reminding us that it’s possible to not fully benefit from these sound-collecting organs on the sides of our heads. Ever wonder why God put your ears on the outside of your head rather than inside? Simple. Because you’re not supposed to listen to yourself! We need to constantly hear from God in order to interrupt our inner personal world which often sends messages contradictory to the gospel. Isaiah 50 contains the third of his four Servant Songs, and it’s about listening. The nation of Israel had a hearing problem (48:8), caused by their rebellion against God. Their exile in Babylon was no accident; their own sin brought it about. But this turn of events had caused some to question God’s love for them. They may have felt they had been treated unfairly, or that God had abandoned them. They may have felt they were now in a hopeless condition. But they needed to stop listening to themselves! God tells His children that He has neither divorced their mother, nor sold them into slavery to pay off some creditor. So the way back to Him is still open. As the sovereign Creator, He is certainly capable of bringing them back. The real question is, why did none of them come to Him when He called? (v 1-3). By contrast, the Servant of the LORD is responsive to God’s voice and eager to obey His Word. He is an astute listener, a well-taught disciple who has given Himself fully to the ways of God. Therefore, He is wise enough to know how to help weak people, giving strength to those who are weary—whether weary with sin or weary with life. As we listen to the gospel, we find that Jesus is a wonderful counselor. He is sustained in His mission by the LORD God and He sustains His followers with daily encouragement. Are we listening? (v 4). It was with an open ear that Christ became obedient all the way to the cross. Committed to doing God’s will, He willingly exposed Himself to suffering that was both cruel and unjust. He boldly defied the opposition organized against Him, because the Sovereign LORD was His mighty helper. Undaunted by his God-ordained hardship, He did not turn back or become rebellious (v 5-9). So we have a choice to make. Following Jesus will, at times, lead us onto dark paths. Life may become difficult and confusing. But darkness is what faith is for. Will we keep following Him and trusting His Word, even with our unmet needs and unanswered questions? Or will we listen to our own wisdom, trying to provide our own light, even with fires of rebellion? (v 10-11). May God help us remember what our ears are for, and why He placed them on the outside! For further meditation: