RE Verse reading–Acts 28:17-31 (day six)
” For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears. . .otherwise they might. . .hear with their ears. . .and turn, and I would heal them” (vs 27) Despite Paul’s love for his people, he knew their history and their tendencies. Tendencies, I fear, we all share. The Jews were hard of hearing. (Greek–bareos, “heavily, with difficulty”) Imagine a person who has gained weight, so much that he/she can barely move. Normal tasks become difficult, with the added challenge that the less he/she moves the harder it is to lose the pounds. Now imagine yourself in worship. Do we hear the Lord with difficulty? Sluggish? Lacking enthusiasm and easy movement? As a new year approaches, many of us will (again) set goals for physical health. Shouldn’t we take an equally careful look at out spiritual health? God promises His help. ” (If they would) hear and turn, I would heal them” says the Lord!
