Listening with Openness for Deeper Vision
There is a spiritual principle woven through Scripture: those who come before God with an open, teachable heart are granted increasing revelation. They see more, hear more, and understand more as they walk with Him. In contrast, those who close their hearts lose even the little light they once had. This dynamic is not just a distant truth—it is a living invitation for each of us today.
Jesus’ Teaching and Parables: Why He Spoke in Parables
When Jesus taught the crowds, He often used parables—simple stories with profound spiritual meaning. His disciples asked why He spoke this way. Jesus replied that parables reveal truth to those who are willing to listen, but conceal it from those whose hearts are hardened. “Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them” (Matthew 13:12). This wasn’t to exclude anyone, but to invite all to listen with humility and openness—because God’s revelation is given to those who desire it.
Biblical Examples of Spiritual Blindness: Israel’s Struggles
Throughout the Old Testament, Israel’s spiritual journey reveals both the blessings of open-hearted listening and the consequences of spiritual blindness. Again and again, the prophets called God’s people to see and hear, but their hearts grew dull. Isaiah lamented that though they had eyes, they did not see, and though they had ears, they did not hear (Isaiah 6:9-10). When the people hardened their hearts, their vision faded, and their understanding diminished. This pattern warns us that revelation is not automatic—it is received and kept by the humble.
Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Sight: Ephesians 1:18-22
The apostle Paul understood our need for spiritual vision. He prayed for believers “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you” (Ephesians 1:18). Paul’s prayer wasn’t just for knowledge, but for revelation—a living, growing awareness of God’s presence and purpose. He knew that without the Spirit’s illumination, even the most faithful believers could miss God’s best.
The Danger of Hardened Hearts: Spiritual Insensitivity
Scripture warns us about the danger of hardened hearts. When we resist God’s voice—through pride, fear, or distraction—our spiritual senses grow dull. We risk losing even what we think we know. Hebrews urges us, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). Remaining open and teachable is the key to ongoing revelation and growth.
Vision and Revelation: Proverbs 29:18 and Spiritual Perception
Proverbs 29:18 declares, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” Vision from God is not just information—it is transformative. It shapes our character, directs our steps, and gives us hope. A church, a family, a life without revelation drifts from purpose. But when God opens our eyes, we are anchored in His will.
Restoring Vision and Righteousness: The Church’s Commission
The Church’s call is to embody and proclaim this redemptive revelation. As Christ’s followers, we are invited to live in the light and to help others see. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” When our hearts are soft and open, the Spirit illuminates God’s Word and leads us into truth. As we receive, we are called to share, so that others may find their sight restored.
Living by the Spirit: Pursuing Spiritual Maturity
To grow in spiritual maturity is to continually seek the Spirit’s guidance. This means listening, repenting, and responding when God speaks. It means hungering for truth, remaining humble, and asking God to show us what we do not see. Maturity is not perfection, but a posture of openness—a willingness to be taught day by day. When we live by the Spirit, revelation increases, and our lives bear lasting fruit.
Conclusion and Prayer: Eyes of the Heart Enlightened
Let us be a people with open, teachable hearts—ready to receive from God, eager to grow, and willing to share His revelation with the world. May we never settle for spiritual blindness, but pursue the light of Christ with all our hearts.
Prayer:
Father, open the eyes of our hearts. Remove anything that hardens us against Your truth. Give us fresh revelation by Your Spirit. Help us to listen, to see, and to follow wherever You lead. May we walk in the light and help others do the same. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 