Listening and obeying
“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. Luke 8:11-15
The parable that Jesus told from the text was known as the “Parable of the Seed” or the “Parable of the Sower.” What Jesus told the hearers from this parable was that there will be people that will listen to the Word but there will be no willingness to obey. It is important to hear but the proof that one really heard what God said from His word was the result of the actions taken based on what was heard from God. Once a person hears God’s word there should be a response that will follow. A person receives salvation when they hear the Word of God and believe in the message of salvation. “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ” (Romans 10:17). “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life” (John 5:24). In this day, people are bombarded by views and many tend to lead people away from God. There are false teachings that teach what seemed to be true and yet once studied closely are false teachings. Jesus Christ warned His followers to be aware and be careful to what they are hearing. “Pay close attention to what you hear” (Mark 4:24)). Paul also warned Christians in Colossae to be aware of false teachings. “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ” (Colossians 2:8). It is important to hear the right teachings the right way where the heart will be moved to take actions. “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word” (Isaiah 66:2). So if you will not allow the Word of God do its work in your heart by convicting you and to have faith in Him, it will not result to what God wants to accomplish in your life. “For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God” (Hebrews 4:2). To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them” (Mark 4:25).
Blessings.
