Trees are an elegant part of the landscape, from the towering pines to the aspens, maple and oak trees that display beautiful fall color. The Ents (great trees that talked) in Tolkien’s Lord of the Ring are splash of delight in the story of war. The hobbits heard them and communicated with them.
When I muse about Tolkien’s Ents, I wonder how I might have reacted. Would I have heard? Nine years ago I wrote a blog post about the importance of listening after reading Tim Keller’s book, The Reason for God: Belief in An Age of Skepticism. Tim Keller has passed away, but he has words for today.
Here is my blog post from April 17, 2015 with some editing.
Keller’s book is a collection of responses to questions that people ask about Christianity. Chapter titles include: There Can’t Be Just One True Religion, How Could a Good God Allow Suffering? The Church is Responsible for So Much Injustice.
In an adult Sunday school class we watched some video clips of Tim Keller in discussion with skeptics. I was most impressed with his listening attitude and respectful discussion of tough topics. The book has the same tone.
I was also studying Paul’s letter to Titus. This little book of the Bible is all about sound doctrine. The letter is full of advice and encouragement. This passage reflects the attitude that Paul hopes Christians will display:
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle and to show perfect courtesy to all people. Titus 3:1
A message of listening appears in Ann Voskamp’s blog post about visiting Iraq. Here is a quote: The only way to a sincerely God-obedient life—is to live a sincerely Listening Life.
God may speak to us through his word and through nature.
Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. Psalm 96: 11-13
Prayer: Lord, let me become a good listener. After giving respectful attention I want to respond with truth, having a gracious and courteous attitude.
I have often wondered if I would have recognized Jesus as the Messiah when he was here, which is similar to your Ents question. I love that scripture in Psalms. Such a lovely reminder today. Visiting from the Sweet Tea & Friends linkup.
Would I have heard the Ents and how would I have reacted? What an interesting question to consider, especially when the Bible tells us that all creation tells of God’s glory and goodness. Am I listening? enjoyed this post! Visiting from ST&F today