“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13: 18-23 NIV)
Who likes to be told, “You cannot do that!” Many people, children and adults, detest such a declaration! But you know what? In spite of how much we detest or dislike that phrase, I’m going to make use it this morning. You see we need to watch how we respond to messages that the Lord leaves for us. The Lord does not expect us to use those tired and absent of truth messages such as, “I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.” When God leaves you with a message, He does not think it wise for you to say, “I’ll get back to you at my earliest convenience.” God expects us to do something with the messages He leaves and for our benefit. The sooner we do; the better. Oh, I’m aware of the unpublished, unwritten, and to me the unacceptable rule that the younger generations has adopted: If the caller does not leave an inquiry or ask a question, no response is required. With God, you can’t do that! He does not always give you a direct question. He directs straightforward statements your way from the Scriptures. It is not merely passing something on for you to know. It is not just for you to explore intellectually what He says may means in the historical and social context of the ancient time that it was written. You can’t do that! You have to ponder, “What does it mean to me?” And then you need to respond. Doing nothing at all? You can’t do that!
Be like the good soil above, as described by Jesus in His explanation to His disciples of the Parable of the Sower! Hear the word, understand the word, and produce some good outcome by responding to the word. Never, ever be like the hearer who does not understand it and thinks in so many words, “I’ll get back to you at my earliest convenience.” That is dangerous as you can tell from the text above and it robs you and others of more than one blessing.
Please don’t apply today’s telephone messaging trend in responding to the Lord’s messages! You can’t do that! Meditate on these words and, of course, respond. It’s Friday! Sunday is getting closer and we need it! Be blessed!
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear and heed My words.” (Matthew 11:15 Amplified Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King