After Jesus had gone to every city and village in the area bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God, He told of the parable of the sower. A parable is an analogy that uses comparisons to make a point, or to help bring understanding. When Jesus had told the parable He cried out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
As long as someone has the ability to hear we are surrounded by sounds every minute of the day and night. Some are louder than others. Some may be as quiet as a whisper while others are as loud as thunder. We can all think back to certain sounds that remind us of something. It is very easy to associate a sound with certain events. The sound of a baby crying may bring back memories of your baby being born. Roars of a crowd may take you back to a concert or ball game you once attended. Those could be pleasant memories, but some could be traumatized by sounds. A loud noise could trigger one to think they are back in a war or abusive relationship.
Therefore, sounds can be a way to associate truths to remember to help in the journey of life. Since we are surrounded by sounds, may we learn to use them to encourage us and others.
I have often thought of and told my children when we hear the sounds of an ambulance siren it should let us know that at that moment whether it be someone we know or not they are in need. At that moment their very life may be on the line along with their family in distress over not knowing what the outcome may be. So, this sound we hear should inspire us to lift up a prayer for this person and their family because it may not be long that the sound of those sirens may be coming to your doorstep.
Another similar sound is the siren of a law enforcement vehicle. When we hear this sound and do not see the blue lights behind us to pull over, it is in response to someone else possibly breaking a law. For some it is a sound that help is on the way, but for others it is a sound that will cause them to flee. Most do not want to be caught in their sin and just as from the beginning Adam and Eve hid trying not to be found out.
The Bible explains that all have sinned, which is breaking the laws of God. To hear a siren in this sense should either cause us to be thankful that help is on the way, or it will cause us to want to flee and hide. When we hear this siren we should pray literally for those in service and for those who may need consequences for their actions, yet knowing that if we have broken even one commandment as we all have, Jesus said we have broken them all. This puts everyone equal in need of mercy and grace which He is willing to give to those who admit the need. Then grace will be given which is what we do not deserve and mercy is given from that which we do deserve. Repentance is truly a sound of freedom.
~ TRS 10-22-23
Rays of Hope 