“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:13
The Lord ends his 6th letter to a church in exactly the same way He has five times before. His challenge to listen to Him is consistent to
all believers. The Lord uses the same phrase seven times in the Gospels and He uses it seven times in Revelation 2 and 3. Thus it is a statement that is highly important to every person but especially those who call themselves Christians.
He who has an ear The Greek word refers to the physical ear. In the New Testament, the word is often used metaphorically to denote the willingness to hear and understand spiritual truths. In Philadelphia the Lord has given no condemnation but He is encourages the overcomers to endure. Perhaps there are those who are becoming tired, discouraged or defeated under the pressure and persecution they face. To them the Lord says remember who I am and all that I have prepared for you in eternity. “ By the way, note only one ear is required to hear. The Lord dos not require both ears – just one willing one. Let him hear The members of the church would hear this phrase and think of Deuteronomy 6:4-5 – the “shema”, which is the central affirmation of the Jewish nation. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” True love causes one to listen carefully and willingly.
In Revelation 3:7 the Lord says to hear. The word includes both the physical act of hearing as well the deeper understanding or comprehension of what is heard. It implies that one understands the intent of the message being sent. In the New Testament, the word hear is often used to describe the act of hearing the word of God, the teachings of Jesus, or the message of the Gospel. It implies not just hearing the spoken word but that it is followed by an attentive and obedient response. The Lord is saying if you love me you will listen and then you will obey.
Seeking God’s truth takes energy and focus. it requires a willingness to be personally challenged and then to change one’s behavior. God’s truth does not mean a person takes the most convenient or easiest path. For the church at Philadelphia it meant staying in the battle and sharing the truth of God’s word despite opposition.
The question is who would not hear or listen to God’s word? When His disciples asked Jesus why He taught parables to the crowds the Lord refers back to Isaiah 6, which speaks of people who have closed eyes, heavy ears and dull hearts. They heard the words but personally chose to listen to the message of the Word of the Lord
What the Spirit says The Lord makes it clear His words are the spirit of God. How do we know what is from the Spirit?
John 15:26 tells us “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.” The Holy Spirit always exalts the Lord Jesus Christ and if we listen we will also,
What can we learn? Paul tells us “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”. Here to the church at Philadelphia there is no reproof, there is no correction. The word of God teaches them sound doctrine. It encourages by reminding them of the rewards of believers for their faithfulness yet it also challenges them to holdfast and endure – don’t quit. We need to hear that often because in our flesh we are very forgetful, As a result, God speaks to us – in His word and through faithful preachers. The believer’s job is to be willing and eager – “I have ears Lord and I want to hear from you today”.