“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty” Matthew 13:19-23

How is your hearing? Such is the question posed by the sower of the seed, and it is a question of vital importance.

According to Jesus’ explanation of the parable, we have an enemy who does not want us to hear and understand what Jesus meant by the kingdom of God. That in itself tells us that the stakes could not be higher. If we do not understand the kingdom, we do not understand Jesus, and if we do not understand Jesus, our prospect of being in the future kingdom is at best questionable.

A lifetime passion for Christ and the kingdom is key. If this passionate pursuit does not endure through adversity and/or prosperity, then it can never be productive. Productivity - bearing fruit - is proof of discipleship (John 15:8).

Jesus’ parable of the seed and the soil is simple enough to understand, but the implications of applying it lead us to probe the depths. What does the word of the kingdom really mean to me? What does it mean to live in such a way that this word of the kingdom is nurtured so that it bears fruit in my life?

Years ago I was led to discover the central importance of the kingdom, but I’m seeing that it is a lifetime venture to grasp the kingdom lifestyle. How very far I have yet to go! But the power of the kingdom, made possible through the resurrected and ascended Christ, through Holy Spirit, is quietly transforming. “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power” 1 Corinthians 4:20.

My prayer for each of us today is that we might discover and rediscover the importance, excitement, and power of the kingdom.

Be sure to also see Amazon ebook & print devotional and podcast: New Day Dawning.