After reading this I just wanted to really look at was going on in my heart. I love the word “accepts” in this verse because we see it means to actually take it and work to make it grow. We must be willing to continue to develop, learn and use what we learn to help the harvest. Right after it says, “Hear and accept God’s word, it says “Produce a harvest.” If you look at the beginning of this parable you can see that they believed in God’s word, but they only took it so far. They never belong to it or owned it.
In Luke chapter 14 verse 26 we are told, “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else in comparison –your father and mother, and wife and children, brother and sister- yes even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.”
That looks like what is talked about in Mark chapter 4 verses 16-17 which say, “The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy.” (They believe it but don’t accept it. Maybe they say a prayer.) Verse 17 goes on to say “Since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long.” (They don’t devote themselves to God’s word.) They might go to church and do some stuff but they do not own it or belong to it. They say they love God but everyone comes before Him even their own desires. They might think I love God but I really love doing what makes me feel good. Or I love God but I can’t upset my parents or wife so I do what pleases them. They really don’t accept God’s word and it dies out and swivels up. That’s not God separating from us that is us separating from God. We need to work hard to be the best servants for God, able to stand firm when we are squeezed. That is why it is so important to open God’s word and live it.
In Mark chapter 4 verse 24 Jesus says, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given – and you will receive even more.” Verve 25 says, “To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”
Pay close attention and ask God to continue to fill your heart. We can never be satisfied with our understanding, open up His word and belong to Jesus, devoting to follow His example. Amen