Listening with intent

Luke 6:46-49 (NLT)
46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49 But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”


Jesus asks the question, “Why do you keep calling me Lord?” He asked the question because referring to someone as Lord meant the person was in servitude to the master. The slave was therefore under obligation to follow the orders and directives of his master. And while many were ready to call Jesus Lord their actions did not agree with their statements. So Jesus gave them some words of wisdom. Those who build upon His principles and follow Him will find a solid foundation in their life to live on. But those who listen and ignore his words will find the foundation week and ready to be swept away at a moment’s notice.


Robert Kupferschmid was an 81-year-old with no flying experience. However, due to a tragic emergency, he was forced to fly an airplane. On June 17, 1998, he and his 52-year-old friend, Wesley Sickle, were flying from Indianapolis to Muncie, Indiana. During the flight, the pilot slumped over and died at the controls. The Cessna 172 single-engine plane began to nose-dive and Kupferschmid grabbed the controls. He got on the radio and pleaded for help. Nearby were two pilots heard the call. Comfort was the closest airport, and the two pilots gave Kupferschmid a steady stream of instructions of climbing, steering, and the scariest part --- landing. Witnesses said the plane’s nose nudged the center line and bounced a few times before the tail hit the ground. The Cessna ended up in a patch of soggy grass next to the runway. Fortunately Kupferschmid was not injured. [Citation: Gregg Donnelly, Maple Plain, Minnesota]


Imagine what might have taken place had Kupferscmid not followed the instructions of the other pilots. Instead he listened knowing his life depending upon their words of wisdom. Imagine what would take place in our lives if we listened to Christ with the same intent?