SCRIPTURE:
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Luke 8:8
OBSERVATION:
Jesus recognized that there is more to listening than hearing what is said. What you hear is predicated on the posture of the heart. Each type of soil received the seed; however, not all of them had the same outcome.
Why? Because the quality of heart that the word landed on differed. What is crucial to hearing is having the right kind of soil (Heart). So the heart is as important as the word.
When we come to God with worry, wrong motives, and evil desires, we will tend to misunderstand God’s word. We must till the soil of the heart to receive God’s word.
APPLICATION:
Wow! Reading the word of God is important; however, if it isn’t tilled and rid of weeds, it won’t produce fruit. The seed is important, but having a tilled soul is just as important. The key to hearing correctly is sincerity. A heart that desires the truth.
Sincerity in the Greek means to “judge in the light of the sun.” If we want to know the truth, the truth will be revealed. However, if we want to substantiate our own perceived notions, we will miss it. I strive through prayer to allow God to speak, not my own fears, insecurities, and evil desires.
Because I know that a tilled heart is as important as the seed that it is given. Because this ultimately leads us not only to understanding, but also to a relationship. This is God’s desire in the first place. It takes Him to know Him. He is clever!
PRAYER:
Dear Lord God,
Would you please guide me to understand your word through a tilled heart that desires you despite the outcome? You are the author of life, and therefore, you know what it is for. I need you to help me see correctly. Amen.
