Contemplative Bible Reading

Hebrews 5:11 (New Living Translation
11 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen.

The writer is trying to teach spiritual matters. There is a great struggle here because the audience is “spiritually dull.” I love that phrase.

Why are they “spiritually dull?” Because they don’t seem to listen. The words move through the air and tingle the sense of hearing, but the words “don’t sink in.”

What is “spiritually bright?” That phrase isn’t used here, but if some folks are dull, some folks are bright (maybe?). For the spiritually bright, the words go to their mind and their heart. They live the words and spread the words.

The dull? Well, maybe they are preoccupied. Something else is on their mind. They are worried. They are grieving. There are many real situations that prevent listening. Pray for those who aren’t listening. Ask that they are removed from the things that prevent listening. Ask that they have what they need so they can listen. And I also need to ask that I always listen as well.