You may have heard the story about three older men, who, like many in their age group, had experienced some hearing loss. They were talking one day, and Jim said, "It?s windy." "No, it?s not," said Bill. "It?s Thursday. "Yeah, me too," said John. "Let?s go get a beer!"

A few weeks ago I got new hearing aids, my third generation of them. They keep getting better. I do not use the hidden "all-in-the-ear" type. One of the advantages of wearing my obvious "behind-the-ear" model is that people see them and invariably speak louder. The new ones also have a directional microphone. When the tiny microphone is switched on, the peripheral sounds are dulled, and the voices of those seated with you at a restaurant table, for instance, are heard much more clearly.

Jesus healed a deaf man, who was also afflicted with a speech impediment. (Mark 7:31-37) Astounded, people who observed the healing remarked, "He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak." There is no mention of any fee charged for this service. My miracle hearing devices came with a sizable price tag!

We are offered in Jesus Christ a marvelous hearing aid for our deaf spirits. It works wonders. We are able to hear cries for help from wounded people like the woman whose story appeared some years ago in a national magazine. She was a single mother working three jobs to provide for her children, and she had reached the end of her physical and emotional rope. She tried to pour out her pain to a filling station attendant; to a state trooper, who, by her own design, stopped her for speeding and driving recklessly; and to people at a mental hospital where she tried to have herself admitted. No one had ears to hear. She was finally rescued just shy of death after an overdose of pills. The cries of too many people, who are barely hanging on at the end of a frayed rope, remain unheard.

We first need to hear for ourselves the voice of Jesus still echoing across the ages, saying, "Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. In the world you face tribulation, but take courage; I have conquered the world." We need to hear God calling our names and trying to convince us that he knows us, loves us, and accepts us just as we are.

We could all use a directional mike, too, that would dim the peripheral clamor of bombs busting, shouts of rage and hatred, and counsels of desperation and doom. If we are able to hear him, God is still trying to tell us, "The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you." (I Peter 5:10)

Let?s not be so reluctant to use the hearing aid that makes so clear the word of life and hope that God keeps speaking to us day in and day out.

Gracious God, open our ears to your truth, our hearts to the aches and anxieties of our neighbors, and our spirits to your own Spirit, knocking at the door, waiting there to bring us the peace and comfort of your gentle voice and the safe shelter of your might and love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.