For this Monday’s Marinate we look at the disciples’ inquiry of Jesus. They wanted to know why it was He spoke in parables (Matthew 13:10). Parables are stories Jesus told which often use metaphors containing “hidden” spiritual meaning. This is like that. For example, the kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field (Matthew 13:24).
A metaphor I made up is, “The sound of children’s laughter is like a gentle rain that waters the lush green grass.” What is that like?
I’ll let your brain draw a mental picture of that analogy. Metaphors do that. They beckon us to use our imagination. Their use helps place us in the scene’s setting. They make us think. Metaphors create curiosity that slows us down long enough to ponder the meaning behind them. If I were to use my metaphor in a story, the intent could imply children’s laughter refreshes and is a sign of a thriving child.
In His wisdom, Jesus knew His parables would create a moment’s pause in us. Because the meaning is not immediately evident, we need to slow down and reflect upon what Jesus is saying. This is true in His parables, but it is also true of Scripture in its’ entirety. We need to see what the divinely inspired Scriptures say to us. God uses His Word to speak into our lives if we are willing to spend the time with Him and listen for His voice. Like many other areas of life, it takes time and practice. We can’t expect to hear well if we don’t take time to listen to what it is He has to say.
In response, Jesus spoke these words to the disciples’ inquiry as to why Jesus spoke in parables.
He replied, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. — Matthew 13:11-12 NIV
This may seem like a harsh response, but it is not. God knows our hearts. He examines them. He understands our motives. He knows everything we have been through. He is aware of who is willing to hear Him and how long it will take for us to listen.
I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously. — 1 Chronicles 27:17 NLT (emphasis mine)
He examines our hearts. Because He knows our hearts, He knows who will be willing to hear His message.
“But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.” — Matthew 13:16 NIV
Jesus spoke the above words to us as well. We are blessed when our eyes see and our ears hear. For some, you may be wondering “What if I don’t see right now? What if I can’t hear? I want to be blessed as well.”
Don’t panic. I wasn’t always able to see God in my life. I wasn’t always able to hear Him. The amazing thing is He helps us learn how. If I go to Him with a tender heart and say, “God, I don’t understand.” He explains. His answer isn’t always instantaneous, but He answers. Sometimes His answer doesn’t always look like I thought it would, but He answers.
I wasn’t sure where we were going when we started to traverse down the route of parables. It wasn’t where I planned to begin. God had different intentions. I think He wants me to highlight this very next point.
Every day I open up God’s Word I ask Him to reveal Himself to me. I say a quick prayer before my eyes engage with the words upon the page. I know that is a prayer God will honor for you as well. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you.
This prayer is not just for those who are seeking to find out who Jesus is. It is a good prayer for those of us who already have a relationship with Jesus too.
We might know He is good, loving, and faithful (and many other adjectives), but we don’t always understand everything contained in His Word. Scripture is fascinating. We find that out once we delve into it. I ask Him questions all the time. He gives us spiritual discernment to see and hear. Spiritual discernment often is an invisible seeing and knowing of God, His purposes for us, and His revelations of truth contained in His Word.
“But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.” — Matthew 13:16 NIV
Spiritual discernment is part of the blessing we receive. Our eyes see and our ears hear and we are blessed for it. We are able to make better decisions. Better decisions equate to less negative consequences in life. If we’re not looking and listening through spiritual eyes and ears, we’re really just doing our own thing and will likely experience many bumps and bruises along the way. In His mercy, God often protects us. However, He sometimes will allow negative consequences, if we choose not to hear what He has to say.
He’d much rather hand out His blessings. In part, that’s why He leaves us with so much wisdom in His Word.
“For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn and I would heal them.”— Matthew 13:15 NIV
There are people whose hearts have become calloused, who closed their eyes to who God is. Maybe it’s temporary, or maybe it’s been for a long time. For a long time, that was me – doing my own thing. Eventually, that changed. He didn’t give up on me. That’s His mercy. Instead, he turns hearts toward Him with the purpose of healing.
I saw an image on someone’s Facebook status that said, “One day someone is going to hug you so tight that all your broken pieces will stick back together.” My response, “He already did. Thanks, God!”
I do feel very blessed these days, but I don’t take that for granted. I need to keep searching and seeking to know Jesus more. I need to look for evidence of Him; it helps me feel His love for me. I need to listen to what He is saying. I pray you feel that way too.
QUESTIONS/APPLICATIONS:
- How has God revealed Himself to you? What evidence has He left you with?
- How is God calling you to see and hear him more effectively?
- What healing can God bring to you when your heart turns toward Him?
- What blessings will God bestow upon you as you seek to hear and see Him more?
- What decisions do you need to make? How can God help you in that area?