But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” – Luke 11:28

What an interesting phrase at the end of this verse, “those who hear the word of God and observe it.” Jesus is talking about an effectual hearing. There is hearing and then there is effectual hearing, which accomplishes the meant desire or the outcome that was purposed in the hearing.

Let me organize this thought in two ways. First of all, there is a change in attitude about sin. Man begins to feel the weight, the guilt, the dirtiness, and the pollution of sin in his nature and in his heart and life. He begins to grasp the judgment of God. In his heart he grasps the weight that he is judged and accountable and condemned before God and there is just no excuse. He quits trying to make excuses. He knows he is undone before God. Also, he has a new attitude about his own ability. He knows that he is absolutely weak. He has no ability to cure or help himself in any way, shape, or fashion. Lastly, he has a new attitude about Jesus Christ. Jesus is not just a figure from history in his mind. In the core of his being, he comes to rest and settle himself that Christ and Christ alone can and will cleanse him and forgive him of all his sin.

Secondly, there is always some action to that. In a man’s life, he begins to look to Christ as the only and all sufficient Lord of his life. He looks to God’s word and determines that this is the wisdom of God for him from now on. This is the play book for the rest of his life. These are the precepts he commits his life to. He may fail at it. He may fall short, but he genuinely intends and desires to follow his Lord and His word the rest of his life.