Acts Devotional Week 19

Acts: Open Eyes, Open Ears

September 9, 2012

Acts 28:23-31

After they had set a day to meet with him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets.  Some were convinced by what he had said, while others refused to believe.  So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah, (Isaiah 6:9-10) ‘Go to this people and say, you will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive.   For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.’ Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”  He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Paul puts his very best effort into preaching and teaching the message of Christ to the Jews (church).  He uses every conceivable tool he can to do this.  He does it day and night.  All he found was argument.  Some believed, other did not.  Neither was content to allow the other side to have their beliefs.  Paul observes and participates in all this and at the end of the discussion he had a realization.  These particular people have allowed their hearts to grow dull.  They message lacks power because they are unable and unwilling to see and hear what God is trying to say.  He quotes Isaiah, showing that it has been this way for a long time.

What happens when a heart grows dull?  It lacks passion.  It becomes content with things as they are and it isn’t able to accept anything else.  A dull heart doesn’t move and it doesn’t get excited about new things.  A dull heart intentionally shuts the eyes and intentionally refuses to listen.  A dull heart doesn’t want to see or hear anything different from what they already know or have experienced.  

A dull heart misses the continuing work of God.

How willing are we to look at and listen for the work of the Lord?  How willing are we to try and understand God’s continuing plan for our lives and our church?  Are our eyes open?  Can we hear the call of God?  Do we feel the drive and passion that comes from doing God’s will?  Do we hold ourselves back from God and His work?  Paul doesn’t.  Paul goes to those not-Jews (outsiders) because they see, hear, and understand the message of Christ.  Paul did not let closed eyes and ears prevent him from doing God’s work.  Neither should we.  Let’s be open to God.