Are You Listening?

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:5,7). Faith comes by hearing and hearing through the Word of Christ (Romans 10:17).  Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it (Luke 11:28).
Have you detected the common theme in these verses of Holy Scripture?  Each refers to the blessedness that comes from hearing the Word of God.  Disciples are lifelong learners. They realize that Jesus has the Words of eternal life (John 6:63). All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  To stop hearing the Word of God is akin to not breathing in the breathe of life that the Father gives us in Jesus through the Holy Spirit.  Hold your breath too long and you will pass out.  Not breathing for eight minutes or more can cause irreversible brain damage.  Breathing is a vital part of life.  So is hearing the Word of God.
What are you inhaling from the Word of God?  In His great wisdom the Lord spreads the faith orally and aurally.  God speaks, we listen. God breathed into Adam and he became a living being (Genesis 2:7).  Jesus breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit" and the Office of the Keys was given to the apostles (John 20:22-23) The Spirit works through that which is heard to bring the Word deep inside the listener. He forgives our sins that we may forgive others their sins against us.
Are you listening? There is no better place to listen and learn than in the Divine Service.  Are you involved in an organized study through your congregation?  Listen to God's Word and learn from Him.  This is the way of wisdom.