“19 When any one hears the Word of the Kingdom, and understands it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that hears the Word, and anon (immediately) with joy receives it;
21 Yet has he not root in himself, but endures for a while: for when tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, by and by he is offended.
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that hears the Word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful.” Matthew 13:19-22
Some have no desire to understand the Word of God. Others will allow Satan to come in and take that which the Lord has sewn in his or her heart and some will be offended by the tribulation which arises when they receive the Word of the Lord and to be sure…tribulation will arise..
Then there are those whose ground has been plowed by the Spirit of conviction. Their’s is good ground. They seek understanding and the Lord is faithful and true to give them more understanding.
The initiative lies within the person. Willful deafness, blindness and dullness is the result of a heart which has waxed gross. They have heard and heard the Truth of Jesus Christ and Him crucified for daily living for God. They have heard that Jesus is the Source and His Cross the means by which we receive from God, yet they are indeed perishing. The Lord will allow even the understanding of which they had to be lost because of their unbelief in the Cross of Christ for daily living. His Grace will not be sufficient as the troubles of this world mount in the heart because they no longer look unto Him. They have deemed the Cross of Christ foolishness and It has in fact become of no effect in their lives.
“17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
18 For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are Saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:17-18
Consider how you receive, your “reaction” to the preaching of Jesus Christ and Him crucified for daily living for God. Is it foolishness? If so, you’re perishing my friend. Is it the power of God? Understanding, you understand. Seeing, you indeed see. Hearing, you hear. However, you nor I have yet to comprehend. Jesus Christ is alive! Who He is and what He has done for whosoever will believe upon Him for daily living is inexhaustible! From glory to glory, we are growing in HIS image by faith in HIM!
It is never too late to turn back to the Cross of Christ this side of Heaven. No matter how religious, self righteous or proud we have become, the Lord will run to His Children who turn back to Him with a broken and contrite heart. He is faithful and true to pick them up out of that miry clay and place them on higher ground. He and He alone has the power expel the sin that so easily besets us. It’s a matter of the heart. It’s our decision to make. Do we grow in grace or do we have no desire for more of the Lord?
Fight the good fight of faith. Look unto Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Signs and wonders will follow those who believe. The world is watching. Choose Jesus.
-Donna Clark Warren
Living in The Spirit 