Proverbs 20:12 NLT

[12] Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the Lord. 

The biblical assertion that God created both a hearing ear and a seeing eye likely transcends the merely physical. It is my conviction that this statement originates from profound spiritual encounters rather than a literal description of human anatomy, perhaps even surpassing the renowned wisdom of Solomon.

There are individuals who insist on empirical proof for God’s existence, treating faith as a subject for theoretical validation. These people often pose questions driven by human emotions and limited understanding, seeking to comprehend in their minds the existence of God. Such an approach is akin to possessing eyes that are blind and ears that are deaf.

John 12:40 KJV

[40] He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; That they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, And be converted, And I should heal them.

They seem to overlook a fundamental truth: God is not a human being.

The Apostle Paul implores us to have our ‘eyes of understanding’ opened.

Ephesians 1:18 NIV

[18] I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may                  know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 

Accounts such as Abraham’s  instruction to Lot to select a land for himself further suggest that Solomon’s reference was not to literal sight and hearing. While Lot accompanied Abraham, a man endowed with profound wisdom and insight (symbolized by seeing eyes) and deep comprehension (symbolized by a hearing ear), Lot himself lacked these spiritual qualities. True spiritual sight and hearing are not physically transferable; they are gifts facilitated by the Holy Spirit.

Consider Genesis 13:10-11, which describes Lot’s choice. He surveyed the lush Jordan plain, observing its abundance, which resembled the Garden of the Lord and the land of Egypt. Before divine judgment fell upon Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot opted for this verdant expanse. In doing so, Lot made his decision based on his physical perception, selecting a land that appeared prosperous for his livestock, a land he will describe as a land flowing with milk and honey. His unhesitating choice, made without prayer or seeking guidance from his master, led him to the ill-fated cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Abraham’s response was different. Abraham, possessing spiritual insight and profound understanding, demonstrated the qualities of seeing eyes and a listening ear by not fighting with Lot over the land. Abraham could perceive beyond the superficial. 

When Elisha and his servant Gehazi were cornered by an Aramean army, Gehazi saw only the enemy forces surrounding them. Elisha, however, perceived the heavenly army of God. Here we have two men in the same predicament, facing the same circumstances, yet perceiving vastly different realities.

One perceived with his physical sight, while the other perceived with spiritual eyes, granted by a deep insight from God. This distinction illuminates why individuals react to situations with such varied perspectives.

As detailed in 2 Kings 6:15-16, when Gehazi awoke and saw the city surrounded by the enemy’s horses and chariots, he cried out in fear. Elisha, however, reassured him, stating that those with them were more numerous than the enemy.

While Gehazi was gripped by panic, despair, and a sense of impending doom, Elisha offered a prayer: ‘God, please open Gehazi’s eyes.’ This is a prayer for someone who is not physically blind, highlighting the need for spiritual vision. It is easy to understand why Elisha remained unperturbed.

When God opened Gehazi’s eyes, his perspective shifted dramatically. Without this divine intervention, he might have considered Elisha to be irrational.

Do you aspire to possess this kind of spiritual vision? I, too, deeply desire such sight and a spiritual ear that hears from the Lord.

If believers cultivate these two faculties—spiritual sight and hearing ear ,coupled with obedience, their spiritual journey will be remarkably less arduous. The paramount requirement is the ability to perceive what God is revealing and to comprehend what He is communicating.

God earnestly desires to bestow upon the Church these gifts: a seeing eye and a hearing ear.

For those who have dedicated their lives to Christ, God is actively inviting them to receive this spiritual impartation.

Hosea 4:6a reminds us, ‘My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.’

Hebrews 12:2 encourages us, ‘Hebrews 12:2 NIV

[2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

There is a profound reward for choosing to navigate life guided by the Holy Spirit

Psalms 19:9-11 NIV

[9] The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. [10] They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. [11] By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

If you have not yet committed your life to Christ, I urge you to make that decision without delay. Your disbelief will not alter the truth of God’s word. Jesus is returning.

**Prayer:**

Heavenly Father, we express our gratitude for Your boundless love and for drawing us nearer to You through Your word. Today, we implore You to bless our lives with eyes that truly see and ears that truly hear. Grant us profound knowledge of the Most High, and illuminate our spiritual understanding, in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.