Daily Devotions
Matthew
The Place of "The Word"
Text: Matthew 13 : 1 - 23
Once again, we see the great emphasis Jesus placed on the role of the Word of God in life and ministry. Let us read again what He said,
“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom,
and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes
and snatches away what was sown in his heart.
This is he who received seed by the wayside.”
MATTHEW 13:19
The message given is called “the word of the kingdom”. The following things may be highlighted:-
1. The word is closely associated with “the kingdom of God”.
2. It comes from the King Himself.
3. It is able to bring a person into the kingdom of heaven.
4. It is therefore most precious and not to be taken for granted at any time!
5. The Word of God is carefully sown. It is sown in the heart!
THE PLACE OF PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Jesus always emphasized that hearers are responsible for their response to the Word preached.
1. Understandable initial response
They may not be able to understand the Word preached initially. This is understandable.
2. Held responsible
They are however responsible in making every effort to understand the Word preached!
3. Valuing God’s Word
If hearers value the Word of God at all, especially if it is able to lead them into the kingdom of God, then they must show some responsibility in seeking full understanding.
4. Doing nothing
If hearers do nothing about understanding the Word of the kingdom, they are still held responsible for their lack of response.
5. Passivity leads to a “roadside heart”
When the human heart is passive when it hears the Word of God preached, in time, it becomes hardened. It may indeed be compared to a path that has become hard through being trod upon constantly.
6. The human heart can be hardened
The human heart can be soft and gentle! It can also become hardened! How we must take heed of the kind of heart we possess!
THE WORK OF SATAN IN THE HUMAN HEART
If the hearer is not concerned about the word of God sown in the heart, the devil is. He takes no chances. He cannot prevent the Word of God from being sown in the heart. However, if the hearer shows no interest, he will remove the word from the heart.
1. Satan knows the power of God’s Word
a) There is great power.
b) It can touch the heart deeply.
c) It has potential power to change the heart.
2. Satan takes no chances
a) At the earliest chance, he will come and take away the word of God from the heart.
b) He can do this, because the hearer has in fact cast the Word of God aside.
Let us note the role of the wicked one! This word of warning is from none other than Jesus Himself! Let us guard our hearts most carefully.
FURTHER EXPLANATION
The parables of Jesus were obviously not lacking in depth! Those who were wise would search for a deeper meaning behind the simple words He used to speak in parables.
“But he who received the seed on stony places,
this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;
yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while.
For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word,
immediately he stumbles.”
MATTHEW 13:20-21
Another type of heart was revealed! How well Jesus knew the human heart. How well He had read the hearts of those who heard Him. How well do we know our hearts