Mark 4:9 TPT
If you understand this, then you need to respond.”
Mark 4:9 AMP
And He said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear and heed My words.”
Jesus was speaking to both the disciples and the crowd about the parable of the sower. Some deep insights into the quality of the ground and the infallible fruitfulness of the seed were laid down by Jesus. Time will nor permit a full breakdown of the lessons from this parable, but a few reflections will aid the understanding of this verse before us today. First, the secret to a life of impact lies in what and how you hear. In a generation of itching ears and convenient messages, the Truth of God's Word is becoming unpalatable. The people of the world do not like to be told that they are wrong, and there are not too many people who can call sin what God calls it, because they are afraid of losing popularity or acceptance. Unfortunately, God's views are not subject to man's acceptance or approval; what He calls sin remains so, no matter the level of expertise, experience, exposure, earning or elocution of the sinner. God's Word goes out again right now, reminding me of the standard God accepts. What have I heard God say to me?
The second revolves around the question: "How do I wish to respond to what I have heard'? All I hear demands a response, whether good or bad. That is why I must also be conscious and deliberate about whatever I allow settle on my heart. The seed always has capacity to bear fruit, but maximum fruits come from right conditions. If I give the seed all that it needs to thrive, I cannot complain when it starts to bear fruit in line with the seed that I sowed and nurtured. Hard grounds will hinder the seed from reaching its full potential, so also would thorns and lack of good soil. Going forward, I must realise that everything I get exposed to is seed seeking a ground to be put in somewhere in my heart. If indeed I hear the right way, there is a time and place for response. Do I have an ear? Do I use it to listen well, so that my life can produce fruit that lead to praise and glory for God? He has done all He needs to do to make Himself known to the world; if I claim to be His representative, the world must see His mark upon my life by my words, actions, interactions and engagements. Does this describe me presently? God's time of favour is here.
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