the Rev. Henry Huenemann
But other seed fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold (Matthew 13:8).
Bible Reading
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23:Devotional
Not all seeds sown fell into good ground. Some fell by the wayside, and the fowls devoured them. Some fell upon stony places, where there was no deepness of earth. They sprang up quickly, but when the sun was up, they were scorched. Some fell among thornes, and the thornes choked them. But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, an hundred, sixty, and thirtyfold.
As with the outward seed, so is it with the Word of God, when it is preached. Not all hearts are prepared to receive the seeds of the Word of God. We read of Lydia, a seller of purple, that the Lord opened her heart, so "that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul." Even the understanding of the disciples had to be opened, so that they might understand the Scriptures. Unto them it was given, but not unto those who were without.
Satan always tries to prevent the seeds of the Word to spring up and bear fruit. People hear the Word, but understand it not, and Satan immediately takes away the word. Others hear the word and receive it gladly, but when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, they fall away. In others the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word. Those sown on good ground are they that "hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred." "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear."
Prayer
O God, our heavenly Father, we thank Thee for Thy Word. Help us to realize what a privilege it is to hear Thy Word; but also help us to realize the great responsibility that is ours, when Thy Word is proclaimed to us. Open Thou the eyes of our understanding that we may understand the truth, and grant us grace that we may receive it into our hearts and keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
Scripture in Devotional: Acts 16:14; Luke 24:45; Mark 4:11; 15:16-20; Matt. 13:9.
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