There are those who "hunger and thirst after righteousness." Our Savior said such people are blessed (Matt. 5:6). There have always been those whose ears are dull of hearing, and whose eyes are closed (Matt. 13:12-16; Acts 28:26-27; Isa. 6:9,10). We have ears to hear, and we certainly need to hear the gospel. Each of the seven letters to the seven churches of Asia as recorded in chapters two and three of Revelation included this statement: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."A zealous and faithful Christian is very encouraged when he finds one as willing and eager to hear as was the Ethiopian treasurer (Acts 8:26-39). It is very discouraging to find one who is not at all interested in the gospel. For one to be taught of God he must be willing to learn. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and faith comes by hearing this heavenly message (Rom. 1:16; 10:17). A living, active faith must be in the heart or one cannot please God (Heb. 11:6; James 2:14-26). When men of God first carried the word to the Roman world, the people divided themselves into two groups. "The multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles" (Acts 14:4; John 7:43). In which group would you have found your place?

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 17, p. 533
September 3, 1987