Saturday, 20 March 2021
If anyone has an ear, let him hear. Revelation 13:9
The words resemble those found in the seven letters to the seven churches. Towards the end of each of those letters, the Lord would give this as a note calling for heightened attention. The idea of “If anyone has an ear” is that of understanding. The idea of “let him hear” is that of following through in proper compliance to that which is spoken.
In this case, scholars are divided as to whether the paying heed is referring to what has just been said about the beast and the persecution of the saints who do not worship the beast, or if it is referring to the coming verse that calls for “the patience and the faith of the saints.” The answer is that it is both. The entire passage is carefully aligned so that it requires special attention.
Life application: In Deuteronomy 4:9, 10, it says –
“Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, 10 especially concerning the day you stood before the Lord your God in Horeb, when the Lord said to me, ‘Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.’”
In those verses is the admonition that the people are told to “let them hear My words.” The Lord is speaking to His people and asking them to listen and apply the words to their lives. And then Jesus finally came, about fifteen hundred years later, and walked among the people of Israel.
Eight times the gospels record Jesus’ words, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” These eight times are Matthew 11:15, 13:9, 13:43, Mark 4:9, 4:23, 7:17, Luke 8:8, & 14:35. In Revelation, this phrase is also repeated eight times – 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:29, 3:6, 3:13, 3:22, and 13:9.
Revelation 13:9 is now the last time it is found in the Bible. It is a final note of warning to the people of the world, and it will call for true and steadfast hearts, willing to heed the words from the mouth of the Creator.
The finishing of the thought will come in the next verse. God is instructing the people who will live in this terrible time of tribulation. By far the best option is to get right with Jesus now and avoid the trials, the woes, and the tests to come. Bow the knee to Jesus, call on Him now, and be ready for the rapture. The time of that event is unknown, but it will come to pass. He is coming for His people. He is JESUS!
Heavenly Father, since the earliest days of man on earth, You have given Your word and asked us to hear it and apply it to our lives. However, we are so determined to do it our own way. Certainly, You give us such instruction so that we may live and enjoy life, but we continuously reject it for temporary pleasure. Help us to get it right; help us to follow Your word of life. Amen.