As I sat in the auditorium, with my eyes fixed on the pastor, my demeanor suggested that I absorb everything he said. Suddenly I heard everyone laughing and clapping hands. The preacher apparently said something humorous, but I have no idea what it could be. My attitude indicated that I was listening intently, but in reality my thoughts were far away. It is possible to hear but not listen, to look, but not to see, to be present and yet absent. In such circumstances, we may miss important messages meant for us.
“The attention of the whole congregation was with the book of the law,” (NEH. 8:4) while Ezra read God’s instructions to the people of Judah. Their attention to its exposition brought about understanding (vs. 9), which led to their conversion and revival. One day in Samaria, Philip, after persecution of the believers broke out in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1), reached out to the Samaritans. “When the people heard what Philip preached and saw the wonders he was doing, they listened attentively to his preaching” (v. 7) and, “There was great
joy in that city” (v. 9). Our minds can be like a wandering adventurer missing the near thrill. Nothing deserves more attention than words that help us discover the joy and wonder of our Father.