Scripture:
Luke 8:15 – As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart and bear fruit with patience.
Observation:
Jesus is explaining the parable of the sower to the disciples and how people respond to God’s word (seed). Every time the Gospel is preached there is response demanded. In three of the four responses, the Gospel does not flourish. You can hear the word only to have the devil take it away. The word can be received but only superficially or the word can get muted by things of this world. Only when the word is truly in our heart will it take hold and grow over time.
Application:
Let me never get over the Gospel and respond to it daily! My response should always be one of love and praise for what God has done for me. Intellectually, we have to understand the sacrifice God made for us. Beyond that, God wants our heart to be changed through the power of the Spirit. As a believer following Jesus, I must be in the word to keep it in my heart. Through the Spirit, we can be changed, have strength to serve and grow in our walk.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for your love and your Gospel. Let me remember and never get over what you did for us. May my response always be love from a spirit filled heart for others.