09/30/2025
Listening Heart
It’s kind of crazy when you think about it. Wisdom in the Bible is all about listening. Of course it makes sense that wisdom would start with listening to God, to God’s law and commandments, as well as the promptings and leadings of the Holy Spirit. Solomon wants to be a good king so he asks God to deepen his relationship with his Lord (as David did) and to be able to hear the cries, concerns, and needs of the people he is charged with leading.
In Sunday’s sermon we talked about having a listening heart but here is a fuller definition of what Solomon asks for when he asks for wisdom:
Meaning of "Lev Shomea"
Literal Translation
"Lev shomea" is a phrase from Biblical Hebrew that translates literally to "listening heart" or "hearing heart."
Contextual Usage
- The term is often associated with the request made by King Solomon to God for wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon asks for "an understanding mind" to govern the people, which is derived from "lev shomea."
- The purpose of having a "listening heart" is to discern between good and evil, enabling wise governance.
Implications
- The phrase emphasizes the importance of being attentive and receptive, not just in a physical sense but also in understanding and empathy.
- It reflects a deeper spiritual quality, suggesting that true wisdom involves listening and understanding the needs of others.
This concept encourages individuals to cultivate a heart that is open to learning and compassionate towards others.
If we want to live a larger life then, the first step is empathy and understanding borne of attentiveness to God. May we all find the inspiration we need from God’s gift of a listening heart.
Archived Posts
One Final Scene About Scrooge
There was one more scene in Dickens’s novel that reveals something of what has happened to Scrooge over the years. I did not have time to share it on Sunday, but I believe it reveals a great deal about the regrets in Scrooge’s life....
What Jacob Marley Would Do,
If He Could Do It…
I thought about using the following for a benediction—since Jacob Marley was warning Scrooge about the danger of loving money and what it could buy. Ends up with the Cantata and everything else going on, I didn’t have the time. So here is what you might have heard if the sermon itself was 5 minutes shorter!
A Confirming Word on Old King Herod
I just want to echo what Rick said in his fine sermon yesterday (Nov. 23). Herod was a ruthless tyrant and skilled politician. When the Magi don’t report back to him, he decides to kill all the male children of Bethlehem under the age of 2. That’s one paranoid dude.
Power Without Conscience?
I ran out of room for this vignette in Sunday’s sermon. Remember the quote that could be the headline for Ahab and Naboth: “All that’s needed for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.” The following reinforces that truth.
The Cars Are Looking for A King
I don’t have a thing to add to Pastor Jessica’s excellent sermon this last Sunday. The fable/parable she shared has been one of my favorites for all the lessons she pulled from it in her message. I was playing around with my friend Chat GPT and after several abortive attempts, we came up with the following modernized version of Judges 9:7-15.
The Lost Benediction
Depending on the length of the sermon, I try to add a little something extra in my benedictions. This week I wrote up a benediction but then realized we’d be singing and waving our umbrellas to some New Orleans jazz.
Change of Focus This Week
Instead of sharing with you about yesterday’s sermon I’d like to invite you to do some background reading for next Sunday’s “Only Murders in the Bible.” Seeing that it is All Saints Day this Sunday, we are going to look at the very first Christian martyr, Stephen.