The Nitty Gritty

Today we read 2 Samuel 1, Psalm 140, and Matthew 13.

The seed is the Word of God and you never have to worry about it: when the seed is scattered around you and in you, it is what you need.  God's Word is always timely.  People often say, "Preacher, that is what I needed to hear." or "You stepped all over my toes."  No, I didn't.  I have no clue what is going on in the heart and life of individuals (well, maybe a clue, based on their lives), and I don't write sermons or preach to aim at folks.  If you got a Word, you didn't get it from me.   What you have experienced is the synergy of the Holy Spirit, a receptive heart, and an obedient mail carrier...or seed broadcaster...or bread toter.

The real question is not the soundness of the message of God's Word, but the state of the heart and mind of the listener.  Jesus compared it to soil.  He said some hearts are as hard as a well-worn path.  They may look like they are listening for a time, but, the reality is, they are shelled up and not receptive.  Other folks are shallow.  They seem to take it in but, in reality, they are Roman Candle Christians.   They start out with a lot of pop and sizzle, look beautiful for a few minutes, but burn out quickly. There are also those who have lives that are so cluttered that they don't slow down long enough to take it in.  That message is lost as well.  The heart and the mind that are open, ready, and waiting are the ones that God's Word really makes a difference in.  Jesus put it this way in   Matthew 13.23-  As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

There is a direct correlation in how much the Word will make a difference in your life, how spiritually fruitful you will be, and the state of receptivity of your heart and life. 

That is getting it right down to the nitty gritty and that is appropriate because that is what makes the difference.  I pray that you are open today to what the Lord has for you.