The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled under foot and the birds of the air (literally birds of heaven) ate it up. Luke 8:5

These types of listeners are not careless hearers but are could-care-less hearers. The word of the Lord goes in one ear and right out the other. I am not talking about going to church where you normally think about hearing a word from God. For the most part, this parable from Jesus has nothing to do with going to church, so don’t think this way. God speaks all the time, to all people, everywhere.

Jesus reminded us the “seed” is the Word of God. Isn’t it interesting that the seed is scattered to all. The Sower doesn’t scatter only on ground which looks promising or productive. He scatters His seed upon all types of ground… to the good, bad, and indifferent. God is an indiscriminate sower. Jesus’ parable reminds us the seed doesn’t determine the outcome. The conditions of the soil and surrounding areas determine the outcome of what will happen to the seed.

One of the disturbing truths of Jesus’ teaching is the seed is not afforded the opportunity to linger in our lives.

Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Luke 8:12

 

Whether we admit it or not… or whether we realize it or not… more of God’s word has been stolen from our lives than has been rooted, grown, and harvested. If you are honest with yourself and your process, you will agree. It is always in these early stages of God speaking to us that the devil is afforded the opportunity to steal God’s word. Satan is a word snatcher. He doesn’t care where or when the word comes to you. He will snatch that word from you at work or worship. This is why Jesus focused upon the art of listening. Those who are truly in the know, realize the Lord speaks all the time. They are ready to receive and implant God’s word immediately so that the word is kept from being stolen. If you are one of those spiritual procrastinators, rest assured God’s word will be stolen from your life. The unsettling reality is that once the word is whisked away, we forget it ever was present. A sort of spiritual amnesia settles into our minds and hearts.

Are you tired of God’s word being stolen from your life? If so, purpose to be a careful, diligent listener today. God’s word will be sown your direction today, tomorrow, and next week. The only question is what will you do about it?

President Franklin D. Roosevelt got tired of smiling that big smile and saying the usual things at all those White House receptions. So, one evening he decided to find out whether anybody was paying attention to what he was saying.
As each person came up to him with extended hand, he flashed that big smile and said, “I murdered my grandmother this morning.” People would automatically respond with comments such as “How lovely!” or “Just continue with your great work!”
Nobody listened to what he was saying, except one foreign diplomat. When the president said, “I murdered my grandmother this morning,” the diplomat responded softly, “I’m sure she had it coming to her.”

 

Blessings,

Pastor