Psalm of the Day: Psalm 97
Wisdom of the Day: Job 17
Scripture Reading: Luke 8:4-15
The parable of the sower, which is contained in these verses, is reported more frequently than any parable in the Bible. It is a parable of universal application. The things it relates are continually going on in every congregation to which the Gospel is preached. The four kinds of hearts it describes, are to be found in every assembly which hears the word. These circumstances should make us always read the parable with a deep sense of its importance. We should say to ourselves, as we read it, "This concerns me! My heart is to be seen in this parable. I, too, am here!"
The passage itself requires little explanation. In fact, the meaning of the whole picture is so fully explained by our Lord that no exposition of man can throw much additional light on it.
The parable is a caution about a most important subject — the way of hearing the word of God. It was meant to be a warning to the apostles not to expect too much from hearers. It was meant to be a warning to all ministers of the Gospel not to look for too great results from their sermons. It was meant, not least, to be a warning to hearers to take heed how they hear.
Preaching is an ordinance of which the value can never be overrated in the Church of Christ. But it should never be forgotten, that there must not only be good preaching but good hearing.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, please help me to be a hearer and doer of the Word.
Action Plan: Review how well I listen to God's Word when it is preached. What was last Sunday's sermon about? How did it change my life? If I cannot remember, what can I do to improve my hearing?
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
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