Hearing God's Word

 Matthew 13:18-23


18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”


Two people sitting in the same pew and listening to the same message can respond in totally different ways. The determining factor is the state of a person’s heart, as the parable in today’s passage clearly shows.  


A Closed Heart: There are people who harden their heart against the truth. Some may even attend church. But no truth is able to penetrate because their mind is closed to any message they don’t want to follow.  


A Shallow Heart: Some people are passionate about what Christ can do for them but fall away when difficulties come. Because of their misplaced expectations, they fail to experience His provision in hardship. 


A Cluttered Heart: Those who are distracted with the world’s cares and values have no room in their heart for committed devotion to Christ. Therefore, the Word they hear produces no fruit.   


An Open Heart: This is the kind of attitude we should all desire and cultivate—one that positions us to hear, understand, and apply the truths of Scripture to our life. 


Which category are you in? If your heart is anything but open, ask the Lord for a new, fruitful one that is eager to know and obey His Word. 





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