My Family, Says Jesus, Are Those Who Hear The Word Of The Lord! - Part 2444

And Jesus said, "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God; but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand." (Luke 8:10)

Herein, Jesus had been passing through every city, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God, and the twelve disciples were with Him. As well, there were certain women, including Mary called Magdalene, Joanne the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna -- which ministered unto Him of their substance. (Luke 8:1-3)

At one point, much people had gathered together, coming to Jesus from every city. Thus, Jesus shared a parable -- about a sower who went out to sow his seed. Some of the seeds fell by the wayside, others were trodden down or the fowls of the air devoured them. Some fell upon a rock and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away because of lack of moisture. Other seeds fell among the thorns, but the thorns also sprung up and choked them.

But others, as Jesus points out, fell on good ground and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. When He had said these things, He cried ... "he that hath ears to hear, let him hear." (Luke 8:4-8)

The disciples asked Jesus about the parable. It is here that Jesus explains, "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God; but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand." (Luke 8:10)

Jesus did not stop there because He does not want His disciples (those who yearn after Him with all their heart) to be without the knowledge needed to navigate the world around them. So Jesus begins to share that the seed in this parable is the Word of God. Those hearts who initially heard the Word that later fall by the wayside are those who hear the call of Jesus, but when the devil comes along, the Word is taken out of their hearts -- lest they should believe and be saved.

On the rock, are those who received the Word with joy; but because they have no root, they for a time believe. However, when times of temptation come, they fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth and are choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, bringing no fruit to perfection.

But (and this is an awesome but!) those on the good ground are they which in an honest and good heart, having heard the Word keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. It is this latter group of believers who trust in the risen Jesus that we are called to become -- having an honest and good heart, so that we can bring forth much fruit with patience.

I'm sure there are numerous interpretations regarding this particular parable which would invariably offer significant insights. However, for me this day, I think of the response of Ananias when Jesus instructed him to go find Saul. As we know, Saul (whose name was eventually changed to Paul) was diligent in persecuting and jailing anyone and everyone who believed in Jesus as both Lord and Christ.

As we also know, the risen Jesus blinded Saul on the way to Damascus -- so much so, that Saul asked Jesus, "Who art Thou, Lord?" (Acts 9:1-8) After three days without sight, and neither food or drink, Saul meets Ananias (a certain disciple at Damascus). We know too (from the scriptures) that Ananias had already heard of Saul of Tarsus -- who had authority form the chief priests to bind all that called on the name of the Lord Jesus. The Lord tells Ananias that Saul/Paul is a chosen vessel unto Jesus -- to bear My Name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel; for I will shew hi how great things he must suffer for My Name's sake." (Acts 9:150-16)

Did Ananias put up a fuss? Not a chance! As we know, Ananias went his way, and entered into the house, putting his hands on him, saying, "Brother Saul, the Lord [even] Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou came, hath sent me, that thou might receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." And immediately, there fell from his eyes as it had been scales; and he received sight forthwith, and arose and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. (Acts 9:15-19)

You see, Ananias had a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. Ananias also had the flow through understanding, that when he adhered to the words of Jesus, there would be fruit, and fruit that would multiply. But Ananias also displayed patience -- while he ensured Paul had received the meat (the Word of God) so that he would be strengthened.

As always, there is so much more to understand here, but let's first not suffer fools gladly but rather be the ministers of Christ that we were called to be -- strengthened in all things by the meat, water baptized in the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus -- receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and being patient in knowing that the Lord Jesus knows the innermost desires of our heart.

Thus, in all things, worship the Lord Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His love, love one another.

Stand in the offering plate.