Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? 22 “For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. 23 “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25 “For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

– Mark 4:21-25 (NKJV)

This is the second time Jesus has shared the words, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” He intends of the disciples to “get it.” It’s one thing to be told something and it’s another thing to hear it. He has told them truths encapsulated in parables. It is now up to them to “get it” and now go do something with what they have been told.

They need to cultivate their hearts to receive the word. They are being given a light and there will come a time when they need to shine it. Some things will be secret for now, but they won’t stay a secret, the world will know. The question is, what will they do with what they have seen and heard?

The more we respond in faith to what we have heard from Jesus, the more we can expect to hear and understand. If we don’t respond in faith, but rather pretend we haven’t heard Jesus or we ignore what he is saying, the less we will understand and know of his word. Jesus is placing responsibility at the feet of the disciples and those who have heard him to put his words into practice. He isn’t sharing theory, entertainment, education, or mere rhetoric. He is sharing the words of life and the more you grasp it, the more there is to grasp… but take heed, if you ignore what he has said, you won’t derive any benefit from what little you do have.

This if helping us further understand the parable of the soils we have just read; Treasure the word, let it penetrate your heart, remove distractions, and in due season it will bloom… harden your heart and what little you have… Satan will come and snatch it away. When you receive the word into your heart, it is doing a work that is hidden or can’t be seen, but it won’t be hidden for long as the seed sprouts, the work God is doing will come into the day light. Do you have ears to hear? Will you cultivate your heart to receive God’s word today?

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. Thank you for your word. I humbly ask that we all come ready to hear your word today and give it the room it deserves in our heart to grow. We pray that you would take your word and produce an abundant harvest in our lives. Use us for your kingdom and your glory. Please guide us in your will. In Jesus Name, Amen.