Daily EncouragementSample

This is a repeated exhortation on the Lord’s lips. There is a hearing, which does not help, a listening, which left unmoved even those who sat under the ministry of the Son of God himself. He speaks here in connection with the parable of the sower, which says a lot about hearing. What does it have to tell us about effective hearing of the word of God?

It is hearing with understanding (Matt. 13:19-23). More than mere intellectual awareness is involved here. The mind of man is darkened and antagonistic to God, (Rom. 1:21; 8:6) incapable of understanding “spiritual things” (1 Cor. 2:14). The evil one is involved not least in blinding “the minds of unbelievers” (2 Cor. 4:4). Hearing with understanding presupposes an enlightening work of the spirit of God in the individual (2 Cor. 4:6).

It is hearing with something more than superficial emotion. The word received “at once . . . with joy” is not necessarily the word truly received (Matt. 13:20-21). To hear is to feel in the depths where the deep roots go.

It is hearing without allowing the world to distract, in particular “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth” (Matt. 13:22). If worry and wealth have us by the throat, we shall not hear much.

“Therefore consider carefully how you listen . . . ” (Luke 8:18).