Matthew 13:1-9, Leviticus 26:1-20, 1 Timothy 2:1-6
I am amazed by people who solve math problems with relative ease. Math is not my forte; I do not have a head for numbers. In the classroom, I needed to concentrate on every word from my teacher’s lips yet, solving equations still came with difficulty. I simply did not understand the concepts. Those who perform well in math do so because they not only understand, they can visualize the steps in determining the solution. But solving the problem is not always enough. At some point, one must put what is learned into practice.
Our lessons today have to do with hearing and understanding. In Leviticus, God calls the Israelites to hear his commands and understand them to be the parameters of godly living. Paul teaches the church in 1 Timothy that loving, caring, and praying for one another leads to a peaceful and blessed life. In Matthew, Jesus says those who receive God’s Word and understand it are those who hold fast to all Christ commanded. Hearing God’s word is not enough. We must strive to understand the gospel and put it into action. Doing this we live into the fullness of our calling as disciples of our Lord Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, let my heart be good soil open to the seed of your Word. Amen.
In the Beginning 