Scripture
“To those who listen to my teaching more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening ,even what little understanding they have will be taken away.”

Observation
The well known parable of the sower. A farmer sows seed that falls onto varying types of soil. The seed flourishes according to the soil- some of it producing a great harvest.

The interpretation of this parable has become very clear and obvious to us having heard it preached often. But to the hearers it was a puzzle. Jesus did not always lay everything out and in fact chose to hide his meanings to expose the hearts of those who were following.

Application
The parable is meant to cause us to ponder the type of harvest we are producing. Am I producing a crop of righteousness? Is mt life demonstrating a heart dedicated to God's Kingdom?

The difference between us and the passive soil in the parable is that we can actively improve our heart, our receptivity to the gospel and our fruitfulness of the Kingdom.

The improvement does not come merely through “religious” practices such as prayer, but through nurturing our love for God.

Prayer
Open the eyes of my heart Lord. Help me to see you as you really are and to grow in my love for you. Amen.