In the exchange Jesus had with people at the Temple in John 8 where he leads them in a discussion of who their father is, he tells them that if God were their father, then they would hear Him. It is even more interesting when you couple that with John 9 where he basically tells them they can’t see God, either.
Those Temple leaders eventually caught on to what Jesus was saying and replied “God is our Father.” But Jesus said to them that they certainly didn’t act like they’ve ever heard God. They were still thinking genealogy. Jesus was talking about a living relationship. How can you say that God is your father when you’ve never heard Him?
Listening for most of us is something to be learned. You have to practice it. Do you listen to your spouse? Your children? Your boss? If you can’t hear what people say within your physical presence, then how can you hear what your spiritual Father says?
You have to stop the busy train you’re on, relax your mind and body, then give God some attention. You have to become observant. God’s voice isn’t always voices in your head. Sometimes people or events speak God to you. I guess the other thing you have to be is open to receiving when God is talking.
When I read Jesus’ words, I also get the idea that hearing means more than listening. It means acting on what you hear. Hearing and doing God’s word is almost always coupled. I guess that’s what always makes me slightly uncomfortable. Am I really doing what God’s telling me?
Faith Venture 
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