Matthew 13:10-17

S - Matthew 13:10-17

O - Jesus explains why he speaks in parables. I find it interesting what he says about people's hearts. "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 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." (This was a prophecy Jesus quoted from Isaiah). The interesting part is the next two verses, 16 and 17. "But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. FOR I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, MANY PROPHETS AND RIGHTEOUS MEN LONGED TO SEE WHAT YOU SEE BUT DID NOT SEE IT, AND TO HEAR WHAT YOU EAR BUT DID NOT HEAR IT." (Caps mine). The interesting part is that there were so many PROPHETS and RIGHTEOUS MEN (wow!) who longed to see and hear what we do, yet they never did. We are very blessed to understand what we do understand, see what we see, and hear what we hear. Most in this world that have lived have not; many who so wanted to, never did. We have the beautiful knowledge of God's WHOLE BOOK as a vantage point, whereas they did not. We see the bigger picture from sin in the garden, animal sacrifices, the fulfillment of Christ, his death and resurrection, and his final and second coming. Amazing what he has given us to see. It truly all fits together so well. Only God could write it. His hand is so intricately woven into history.

A - What will I do with all that God has shown me? Live how I want, or truly live as he has called me?

P - God, thank you that you have opened my eyes and ears and given me understanding. Forgive me for not doing all that you've called me to do and going my own way time and again. Help me to become strong to trust you; help me to become stronger in my faith and strengthened to be more like Christ each day. Like one of my favorite songs...

Make me strong to trust you,
Make me strong within,
Make me willing to suffer,
change these bonds of sin.

I can count the times
I have seen your hand,
I will mount this trial,
and with your strength

I believe
You will show
Your grace in my need
You are faithful
MAKE ME STRONG
I believe.

Lord, truly strengthen me within. It is so easy to wander. Keep my eyes focused on you this day and to be blessed that you have shown me so much of you! Thank you for your graces. Amen.