Clarity is a Blessing

“A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:1-9 ESV)

Jesus told this parable to a crowd to illustrate a point. Some would understand the parable, and others would not. Even his Apostles asked Him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears, they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ (Matthew 13:10-15 ESV)

Jesus points out to His apostles that they were blessed because they were enabled to understand the Word of God. When we can comprehend the Word of God, we have assurances that we are his elect. we "get it". As Paul reminded us, the Gospel is folly to those who are not believers in Christ.

Read the Bible and study so that you may have an understanding of what is asked of you by God. In doing so, you are able to walk a straighter path with Christ and have assurances that you are indeed a child of God, adopted but equal, loved unconditionally by a Father, Son, and Spirit who is never changing, constant, and reliable.

Grace and Mercy!