The theme for this week’s service is listening to God.

There is a story told of President Franklin Roosevelt, who often endured long receiving lines at the White House. He complained that no one really paid any attention to what he said. One day, during a reception, he decided to try an experiment. To each person who passed down the line and shook his hand, he murmured, “I murdered my grandmother this morning.”

The guests responded with phrases like, “Marvelous!” “Keep up the good work.” “We are proud of you.” “God bless you, sir.” It was not till the end of the line, while greeting the ambassador from Bolivia, that his words were actually heard. Unsurprised, the ambassador leaned over and whispered, “I’m sure she had it coming.”

We should ask ourselves this question. Do we really listen to God, or do we hear only what what we expect to hear?

“Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.” Isaiah 55:3