"For the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes, otherwise they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them." (Isa. 6:10) This seems to be an old problem for God's people. Isaiah speaks to God's people about their hearing and seeing. Jesus quotes this verse and applies it to God's people in His day and time in Matt. 13:15. Paul quotes this same teaching in to God's people in Acts 28:27 and the Hebrew writer applies it in Heb. 5:11. Why would it be any different for us today in the church?
Hearing is not just related to sound. Many of those deaf physically hear just fine! It is the heart that has grown dull and insensitive. The result is people simply refuse to hear the whole of God! They pick and choose what they want to hear while ignoring the things they need to hear. When something from God is spoken that addresses their present situation, they turn off their 'hearing aids' and close their eyes. It is much easier to ignore than address. The Lord cannot reach those who refuse to listen and take in His word honestly in their heart. As the result, no healing of life and soul! They remain who they are, the way they are and head the direction they continue with all deception.
God's word directs us individually and congregationally. God guides us down the path of morality, attitudes toward those outside of Christ and attitudes toward brethren. God's word addresses our speech and conduct among the world of the lost and in the church. God's word directs us in congregational worship, respect for the eldership, work of the deacons and the work and purpose of the church. God speaks! God reveals! God wants our hearts! Saving faith is produced in the heart! The real question is do we have a heart to hear and see so we will change? As Jesus would cry out to the people: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (Luke 8:8) Are we listening?
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