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 what was sown along the path.
Matthew 13:19

The Lord Jesus told a parable, illustrating how different people would respond to His Word. He talked about a farmer scattering seed in his field and the way that seed was received as it fell on different kinds of soil. In this verse He explains what He meant by pointing out that some of the seed would fall on the hardened, packed-down soil of the path, where it would not be given the chance to penetrate, take root, grow and bear fruit.

Do you find the Bible boring, confusing, and just not worth the effort of trying to understand it? What can you do if your heart is hardened by life’s experiences so that it’s unresponsive to God and His Word?

A farmer doesn’t just scatter seed willy-nilly in the field. He prepares it, picking out the rocks, crushing the hardened clods, turning it over, and watering it. Ask Him to change the soil, soften your hardened heart, and make it receptive to His Word. It may not be an easy process, but You’ll be glad you did, both in this life and for all eternity.

Lord, forgive and soften the hardness of my heart. Do whatever You have to do so that Your Word can penetrate, take root, and bear fruit in my life. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles