17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
My question is this: Can a non-follower of Christ hear? Can a blind person see the intricate colors of the last sliver of sunlight as it descends? Can a deaf person savor the crispness of the piccolo solo during the last chorus of John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever”? Can a nursing infant appreciate the flavor and texture of a perfectly prepared fillet mignon? My contention is that unless the Holy Spirit has been actively working in an individual’s heart, they cannot hear the message. Christ’s Word must first penetrate their heart, then the message is preached to them, then they have the opportunity to believe. Remember what Jesus said, “Don’t cast your pearls before swine.” Swine have no way to appreciate the value of pearls. They would have to gain that appreciation first or it would be a waste. That is why it is so essential that we be tuned into the frequency of God moment by moment, always on call, ready to speak the message when God says, “Here is someone in whom I have been working.” But that requires much of us. We must be ready to drop our agendas and adopt God’s inconveniences. That is right, doing God’s work will not be convenient. Are you willing to be interrupted?