"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." - Revelation 2:29
The word churches, when it’s used in the plural form in the Bible, means local congregations. He who has an ear, who has the ability to hear spiritual things at all, is told to listen and pay attention to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the local churches,
What does the Holy Spirit say to the churches?
The Spirit of God spoke by the prophets and breathed His Word into them. He inspired them so that they wrote the books of the Bible, not expressing human opinions or words limited by their own historical and cultural views, but what the Holy Spirit moved them to speak and write; His message for all of the congregations everywhere in the world, throughout all time.
What the Spirit says to the churches is what’s written in the Bible. Whoever has spiritual ears capable of hearing, is to listen to the Word of God.
Who is the one who has ears to hear?
The Lord Jesus told Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God," and, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3,5) The one who “has ears to hear” is the one who has been born again by faith in Jesus. No one else is capable of hearing and understanding what the Holy Spirit is saying in His Word. And those who are spiritually alive are called to listen, give heed, pay attention and understand.
Lord, open my ears. Give me a heart that listens to what You say and is quick to believe Your promises and quick to obey Your commands, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Dan Giles