Matthew 13:3-9, New Living Translation

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

Jesus, during His ministry, said many times, “For those with ears, let them hear.” When He said this, He was not referring to the physical ear, though He did perform miracles where the deaf could hear. When He says, “let them hear,” He is referring to the spiritual ear…for understanding. People with ears to hear, understand and receive truth. That is what this generation needs now more than ever. With things getting heated in the middle east, and discerning the signs of the times, I think it wise for us to be taking heed to Jesus' words.

The Bible tells us about the parable of the Farmer scattering seed. When he did so, it landed in many places. The parable goes as so: “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Matthew 13:3-9, NLT)

What Jesus is saying is that the Word goes out, the truth. Some receive the Word but choose not to do anything with it. Some receive the Word, but when they come against a trial of sorts, they are discouraged and give up because they are not deeply rooted in the living Word of God. Then there are those who receive the Word, and they allow God to transform them through the Word. They draw their strength from the Word, which is Christ.

It is important, more so than ever before that we are spending time in the Word of God. The devil has been roaming this earth for thousands of years. John 10:10, NLT tells us that, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” If we do not know what the Bible says, how can we recognize the signs of the times we are living in? How can we know and trust in Jesus and fully receive the blessed assurance we have with Him in eternity, regardless of what happens here on earth? How can we fulfill the plans and purposes He has for us? It is dangerous territory to not be in the Word of God. Psalms 1:1-3 (NLT) says this, “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” Proverbs 9:10 (NLT) says, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” Do we have Christ in His proper place in our lives? Is He the King of our heart or are we the king of our heart?

The Bible tells us “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declares that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11, NLT) When that time comes, there will not be an option to bow and declare. The Bible says that every knee will bow. Every tongue shall confess. I don’t share this out of hate. I share this from a heart of love. With every passing day, we get closer to the rapture. We will either be spending our eternity in heaven or in hell. There are no other options. I want to see as many as my brothers and sisters in heaven where joy never ends and love never fails. I pray that we would all take heed to the Word of God. If you have not given your life to the Lord, it is never too late!

If you would like a prayer to help you give your life to the Lord, you can pray as follows or pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.

“Lord, I surrender my life into Your hands. I am done living my life my way, and I want to live my life Your way. I repent for my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. Help me to turn from my sins and to live a righteous and holy life according to Your word. Help me to love You and love people and to obey Your commands that give me an abundant life. Help me to share this abundant life with those I come in contact with, so that they too have the opportunity to choose You. I love You Lord and pray all of this in Your precious and holy Name. Amen.”