Hearing…is the Last Thing to Go!
But how can anyone possibly seek help from the One they do not trust? And how can they trust God if they have not heard about him? And how can they hear the wonderful truth about him without someone to tell them? (Romans 10:14, Remedy)
I remembered the saying, “Hearing is the last thing to go.”
While serving on the pastoral staff at a church, I was asked by one of the administrative assistants to take a call from someone requesting a minister to visit their loved one. I took the call. The person was asking if I could go to a nearby nursing home to visit her relative who was a resident there and from what was being understood of her physical condition, nearing death. The lady on the phone was finding it difficult to visit her loved one in their physical condition and now with the doctor’s understanding that her loved one would not live much longer it felt very overwhelming. At the same time, the person on the phone shared the deep concern she had about the spiritual condition of the dying family member. That is why she called, to request for a minister to visit and inquire with her loved one about eternity and relationship with Christ. I shared I would make the visit.
When I arrived at the facility, I found out where the resident was and upon entering the barely lit room, I came to understand the individual had come to a place of not being able to verbally communicate. It was in that moment, I remembered the saying, “Hearing is the last thing to go.” Meaning…that the last of our human senses to go away before death is the capacity to hear. Honestly, I did not know if it was true or not, but I received the memory of the saying coming to my mind as the Lord.
I approached the bed, introduced myself and that I had come at the request of the family member. Quiet. I shared I understood she would not be able to speak but that I wanted to ask her a couple of questions about spiritual, eternal matters and have a prayer with her. Quiet. So, I did. When I finished the prayer, I quietly left the room and returned to work. Again, quieter.
What happened during the visit? Was it a waste of time? Well, I honestly do not know and will not know until eternity. But to now understand, years later, reading various studies has led science to conclude that hearing, indeed, is the last human sense we lose before death. So, with that being understood, did the person in the nursing home hear me? Did she already have a relationship with Christ? Did the individual for the first time believe and receive Christ while I was there? Again, the answers to each of the questions are unknown.
But as I still vividly remember that moment and receive what research has seem to prove about physical hearing, I marvel in how God has wonderfully created life and gives opportunity. Then, going a step further, taking what is established in the physical realm and applying that in the spiritual realm the truth becomes even more precious and powerful. That real hearing, heart-hearing, is always possible and available to each of us. Oh, the wonder and beauty of living a full life and realizing the open-ended spiritual reality of hearing and responding to the voice of God.
As Christians, and, in particular, as Christian parents, the possibility of hearing God internally in our hearts as well as in external circumstances should bring great comfort and excitement. But we must answer the questions: Are we cultivating and experiencing this God-given wonder? Are we first, maximizing the personal experience God has offered through His speaking voice? Are we, secondly, boosting our parenting with the full resources of God’s help to teach our children to love God and follow His commands.
As I shared, I will never be sure of what happened in that moment near that nursing home bed. But I do believe God was there and giving me the experience of Him to speak His love and truth understanding that hearing was possible. Shema Parenting embraces and believes that reality—for both physical and spiritual worlds in which we live. No matter how distant you may feel in your personal relationship with God, know that with Him, hearing Him is possible. Or no matter how distant things may be in your parental relationship with your child or how rebellious and “turned off” he or she may be in wanting to hear you and your instructions…know they can.
Parents I strongly encourage you that as a follower of Jesus Christ to live knowing that you can hear God…even when His response is one of quietness and waiting on Him. (Remember, He is always worth waiting for!) Choose, with the Lord’s help, to become a Shema Christian and parent! Even, when you feel limited and not sure of the future, know that God will speak to your heart desiring to love and guide your life and family. Be a life-long listener—God has put everything in place—it may be one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself, your spouse, your children, and future generations!
