Receiving the Word

God's People Worship
The Prophet and Praise
Meaningless Worship

Luke 8:9-15

The Message

⁹ His disciples asked, “Why did you tell this story?”
¹⁰ He said, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works. There are others who need stories. But even with stories some of them aren’t going to get it:

Their eyes are open but don’t see a thing,
Their ears are open but don’t hear a thing.

^11-12 “This story is about some of those people. The seed is the Word of God. The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won’t believe and be saved.

¹³ “The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn’t go very deep. It’s only another fad, and the moment there’s trouble it’s gone.
¹⁴ “And the seed that fell in the weeds—well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun.
¹⁵ “But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.

For Reflection

In many ways, in spite of all the study and all that has been written and taught, communication is still mysterious.  How we interpret each other is miraculous.  God designed our brains to interpret not to be hard wired.  The bad news is we sometimes miss the point.  The good news is we have the capacity to get it!  Approach human interaction with a good heart.  Listen to hear. Look to see.  Use God as the Rosetta stone. 

Pray

that you will be open to hear God direct your life.  Pray that you will let God's will direct your interaction with others.  Pray that you will speak for compassion and justice for all of God's people.