Itching Ears
This is an audio recording of Itching Ears the Day 21 entry in Today for Seafarers (Vol. 1) devotional by Jason Zuidema.
Listen to the audio by Sheila Margerrison or read the text below:
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the
living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in
season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with
great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come
when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to
suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great
number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to
myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of
your ministry.”
These verses were written by Paul, an experienced missionary, to Timothy, a young Christian pastor. At first, it may seem like a strange passage for us to read and understand. Yet there is something here that is helpful for those of us who travel around the world.
Like Paul and Timothy, we know that there are people teaching many different things all over the world.
Before God, the judge of the earth, Paul calls Timothy to preach the Word in all situations, not just when it suits him. The Word is the Bible, especially the good news of Jesus Christ. The Bible is God’s written Word, and Jesus is God himself as well as the Word of God in human flesh (see John 1). The Word is to be preached “in season and out of season”—all the time. It is to be preached to those who want to hear—and to those who may not want to listen. Preaching the Word means talking about God and the good news of his grace, but preaching also includes using the Word to help others bring their lives in line with what God teaches.
Often people say that seafarers or people in our home country are tired of hearing the old stories of the Bible. Paul says that there will be times when people will not want to hear the truth. They would much rather hear what they want to hear. This is true no matter what part of the world people come from. We love to listen to the radio and television for things that make us feel better. Many people believe that the things they hear and see on radio, television, or the Internet are true, without even asking whether they are true.
Are you finding truth in God’s Word? Is it something you listen to only at home, or do you use it to help you live at all times—even on board ship? Remember that God’s Word is the only source of everlasting hope
For Further Thought
Have you encountered spiritual leaders and gurus that preach their own opinions? What do they say?
Why is it important that spiritual truth be based on God’s Word and not simply our own opinions?
How can you share God’s Word with other crew members on your ship?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, activate the gifts you have given me so that through my actions others may see your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
