The Hearing Organ

Romans 10:17 – So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (NKJV)

All was readied for one of my most exciting experiences in the operating room. As assistant to the surgeon, I had gathered all the supplies and instruments needed to perform middle ear surgery.

Hearing is regulated by the middle ear. The middle ear is an air-filled space with several structures. The eardrum vibrates in response to sound. Attached to it are three bones, the smallest bones in the body. Together, they are only one inch long. They help to amplify sound vibrations.

The microscope was an essential piece of equipment for the surgery to be successful. I had dressed it with a sterile covering and attached a side arm to the microscope, which would allow me to watch so that I could be more helpful as an assistant. After the microscope was in place, I was able to view the middle ear. I was deeply affected with the wonder of it all: these little structures were responsible for the production of sound!

When drawn to the spiritual meaning of this awesome experience, I began to realize that hearing God's Word and acting on what we have heard are two different things. There are some who have selective hearing, refusing to listen: "Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord." (Acts 7:57 NKJV) The crowd was resisting the Holy Spirit who was speaking through Stephen, the martyr. Then, there are those who have a desire for understanding and are richly rewarded: "Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:2,5 NASB)

Additionally, the call to listen was made very clear by the Spirit through the apostle John to the seven churches of Asia: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God." (Revelation 2:7 NASB)

What a great promise of mercy to those who overcome!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are so grateful that You are a God who hears us. We come to You today with thanksgiving and praise for Your loving kindness. We pray that we may engage in warfare against the sin and evil that is in this world. We thank You for the victory and reward we will receive as we overcome. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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