FAITH CAPSULE: When the word cannot be retained, attaining the exploit that word carries is impossible.

Matthew 13:1-23

Jesus explained the meaning of the parable of the sower to His disciples, “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) In His explanation, He mentioned other kinds of ground that represent those that hear the word and could not hold on to the word. The point here is that, every time the word is released it goes inside of the hearer but, what makes the difference is how it impacts the hearer. Psalm 119:30 states that, the entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” The psalmist is also saying that the word enters through our hearts. When the word enters our hearts it is suppose to give light and to give understanding. However, the word that enters will only work for the ones that have a simple (humble) heart. Without a simple heart the word that enters cannot have a place. By the word of the psalmist, it is safe to conclude that no matter how much a basket looks like a bowl it is not simple enough to hold water just like a bowl would do. Are you experiencing the absence of the work of the word in your life? Could it be that you have not been able to retain the word? When the word cannot be retained, attaining the exploit that word carries is impossible. The psalmist clearly mentioned that the word gives light and understanding to the simple. Proverbs 8:5 pointed out, “O you simple ones, understanding prudence…” Prudence can be described as: care, caution, and good judgment, as well as wisdom in looking ahead. Evidently, anyone who does not understand prudence would not operate with a simple heart. Without a simple heart the entrance of the word would not operate as light and understanding. In this world of challenges the word of God is what it takes to stand and have life. The word of God is sent for our healing and deliverance from every form of destruction. Psalm 107:20 stated, “He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”With a conscious and deliberate understanding to operate prudence, the hearer would be able to receive the word with understanding and also to receive it as light. How is the state of your heart? Can you compare your heart to that of a wayside or stony places? The Word in your life will enable you to overcome confronting challenges of this world.

Prayer for today: Deliver me O Lord from the forces that make the heart of man to operate like a stony heart.