The problem with hearing is a heart condition.
At the end of Luke 8:8, Jesus says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”. The problem with hearing is a heart condition. The parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-8:15) discusses four ways we receive the Word into our hearts. The sower is Jesus (or his disciples: you and I). Jesus explains that the seed is the Word of God, and He (we) sow the Word into the soil (hearts) of people. The extent to which the seed flourishes and produces good fruit depends on the soil (our hearts).
The Wayside Heart Conditions
These people do not reverence the Word of God or think of it as significant and something to hold precious. They may not understand the Word and/or consider it foolishness. (1 Cor 1:18) In one ear and out the other. The wayside hearts could be brilliant likable individuals who think themselves spiritual and part of the Christian family. Still, by not studying and rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Tim 2:15), they are susceptible to false teachings. The seed (Word of God) does not penetrate the ground (our heart), and the devil swoops down and steals the Word so carelessly thought of to prevent us from being saved by believing in the gospel.
The Rock-Hard Heart
Hope blooms in these people, and they are excited about the Word and have faith in the work Jesus Christ did for us. Until a loved one is lost, or there is no spouse years later, a loss of a job, a foreclosure on a home. Even a worldwide pandemic can produce so much pressure, its heat burning away the shallow resolve once thought to be faith. They deny or keep silent about their faith when persecuted. In the crack of a rock-hard heart where there is no root or moisture to grow, the scorched fruit withers and dies, not standing the test of time.
Hearts Among the Thorns
These are people that hear and understand the Word, but because of the cares, riches, and pleasures of this world, they are distracted and bring forth no fruit. They sprout and even grow, but life’s good and bad activities choke the person until there is no fruit for others. This distraction sounds like the average busy person in America working and playing hard. I find it interesting the word pleasures is included as a thorn. If we are too busy living and not tending to the Word in us and serving others, we can be choked by these thorny growths. A heart among the thorns, these people have no time for study and meditation on God’s Word regularly.
Good Soil of a Godly Heart
The good soil of a godly heart brings forth with patience, good fruit. They dig into the Word and meditate in it. They allow the resurrecting transformation of the gospel to continuously occur within their heart and want to share this love and grace with others. They continue sharing even when others are offended, or they are persecuted. They earnestly seek God’s truth rather than man’s doctrine. They make time for God’s Word and consider it a priority in their life. Their heart is tender for the things of God. They love God and love each other.
In varying degrees, I have seen each of these heart conditions in my heart soil. I pray for you dear reader, and myself. Lord, till the soil of our hearts. Create a fertile ground in which fruit can grow with patience. Lord, help us to be unashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth (Rom 1:16). Help us, Father, to stand fast in your Word and love with grace and a godly heart. In Jesus name Amen.
Let’s ponder His Word and enjoy the journey.
