Description
In Intentional & Unintentional Hearing, the teaching begins with Jeremiah 18 and Jeremiah’s visit to the potter’s house. The discussion examines why God instructed Jeremiah to go to the potter’s house, where He would cause him to hear His words, even though Jeremiah had already heard God’s instruction to go there.
The lesson distinguishes between intentional hearing and unintentional hearing. Intentional hearing is described as hearing that takes place with an expectation to hear, while unintentional hearing is described as hearing that is provoked. Through the example of Jeremiah observing the potter, the teaching explores how situations, circumstances, pressure, and affliction can place a person in a position to hear something at a deeper level than they otherwise would.
The discussion also connects Jeremiah 18 with 2 Corinthians 4, including the teaching about earthen vessels, light affliction, and looking not at the things that are seen but at the things that are unseen. Attention is given to the difference between concentrating only on what is happening to a person and considering what God may be doing within that person through the experience.
The teaching emphasizes remaining prayerful during difficult circumstances, listening carefully, and asking God what He is doing during the process. It concludes by returning to the distinction between intentional and unintentional hearing and encouraging continued study of the scriptures discussed.
