I never quite understood the connection between balance and the function of the inner ear. My Google search informs me that there are several fluid-filled ear canals that, in conjunction with hair cells, help monitor the position of the head in relation to gravity and linear motion. (i.e. - moving up and down or forward or back). All I know is that an inner ear infection can “throw you for a loop” in more ways than one. Jesus understood the connection all too well. This becomes clear as we consider his conversation with the religious leaders in Luke 20.
His enemies were always looking for an opportunity to “push him off balance” by making him say something that could get him into trouble with the authorities or discredit him before the people. In this chapter the Pharisees questioned him as to whether or not they should pay taxes to Caesar, while the Sadducees tried to make him look foolish for believing in the Resurrection. However, it turns out that they were the ones who were incapable of walking a straight line. The wisdom Jesus demonstrated in both cases revealed how poorly they grasped God’s true purpose over us, and the gross imbalance between their interpretation of Scripture and understanding of the power of God.
Regarding God’s purpose... They were leaning in the wrong direction, being more concerned about what Ceasar required of them than what God had a right to claim. We, bearing His image, rightfully belong to Him. We were created in such a way to enable us to share an intimate relationship with our Creator and experience the wonders of His love. Our greater concern ought to be “What does God require of me?” and “How can I surrender myself fully to Him?"
Concerning the issue of life after death, their imbalance was caused by their refusal to believe in the supernatural, thus affecting their interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. As a result, they came up with some ridiculously over-exaggerated scenario concerning a woman who outlived her seven husbands. “Whose shall she be in the Resurrection seeing that all seven had her?” Jesus masterfully turned their so-called wisdom into utter foolishness with the use of one little word - “is.” Moses, standing before the burning bush refers to God as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at a time when each of them were already deceased. He doesn’t say that He was their God, but that He is, implying that they are still very much alive. “For He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live unto Him.” Jesus also teaches that by the power of the Almighty we shall be made immortal, and in Heaven, our relationships shall become even closer than our closest earthly ties. We who believe in the Verbal Plenary inspiration of the Bible believe that not only the thoughts, but the very words of scripture were specifically chosen by God Himself, and each word is important.
The question we should be asking ourselves is, “How is it with my inner ear?” Our Great Physician is an ear, nose and throat specialist to put it mildly. He alone can diagnose and cure the infections of ignorance, bias or unbelief that hinder us from walking the straight and narrow path that leads to life.
There are two exhortations that we are given in God’s Word that we need to take heed to especially in these days of confusion and deception: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear,” (Luke 8:8) and “Take care then how you hear.” (Luke 8:18)
Prayer: Gracious Lord, please heal my ears. Cleanse me of all that keeps me from hearing Your Word and responding with an honest, obedient heart.