I have been pondering "The Word", spoken by Jesus. I have been overwhelmed lately by the power of the written word, and the power of the spoken word over peoples lives. So I started a study and got reacquainted with this parable in Luke 8. I started at the end of this portion of scripture hoping to grab your attention before you discard it as too familiar. I hope it works. It is serious business to God and especially Christ who gave His life so the word (Himself, John 1:1) could manifest its glory on mankind. The thrust I see in this parable is the heart of the individual hearer is to hear the word, implement it, cultivate it and reproduce it. The whole purpose of the word of God is to come alive in the recipient and produce more life. If the holder of this truth won't cultivate it and reproduce it .......
V16 No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought to the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has, will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.
V15 And the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.
We say, "Well, only God knows if I have a good heart, an honest heart." Yes, but we sure can work towards being the best we can be by being honest with ourselves and others. Perseverance sure is easier shared with a friend! When we open ourselves to God and allow Him to heal us, we will share our freedom with others. The seats in the church are empty because we are struggling just like the world is. Let's change that this year! Let's get real, get open, get relational. Get in a small group, get some prayer, fast, discipline yourself to read God's word.
V10 The disciples wonder why He spoke in a parable, because Jesus won't plant non producing seed . He tells them, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, " though seeing, they may not see: though hearing, they may not understand.
We do not want to be those who don't see!
V8b " He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
V5-8 Jesus knows if a seed will produce from His cast, and likewise, the farmer is careful not to waste his seed on the road to be trampled under foot or the rocks to wither and die.
V1b The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Who was supporting Christ's ministry? Those who used to be ill, demonized and broken. Do you think they all had perfect hearts? Who were the ones following Him around constantly trying to find some fault in him? He loves you broken and all; all He asks is to let His word bring life in you, then pass it on. If that's not happening, let's make it happen. Let's start cultivating the truth in our hearts. Let's stay in church even if our circumstances humble and shame us. The first of the Beatitudes in Matt 5:3 Says, Blessed are the poor (humble) in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Believe it?
Get into this chapter and find some jewels for yourself and let God renew you. Never give up, never give in!
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