"Take care then, how you hear,"
Luke 8:18, is a warning from Jesus.
He had just finished telling the Parable of the Sower,
which was about how some listen to God's Word
and do not allow it to take root in their lives.
While others listen and try to embed it in
their hearts and obey.
Then He follows with, "To anyone who has,
more will be given, and from one who has not,
even what he seems to have will be taken away."
This is what He said about the talents and gifts
He has given us in Matthew 25.
The Word of God is also His gift to us,
and like all the other gifts,
we have to grow it, use it,
bless ourselves and others with it!
is one of the most confusing lessons of Jesus.
The best explanation I found was from Ray Stedman.
It's quite long but worth reading.
It's very strange that the Master commends the
dishonest steward for what he did.
I think Jesus is saying here that
we should be cunning and shrewd like worldly people.
We should use our wealth and resources
to get to our home in heaven
just as the steward was using it to get a future job.
Jesus said, "Follow me," to Matthew or Levi,
sitting at the customs post, collecting taxes.
When St. Matthew wrote his story
in the Gospel bearing his name,
He did not write what Luke wrote of him,
that he left EVERYTHING and followed Jesus
(Luke 5:28).
Obviously Matthew knew HOW to listen!
He would not have left everything to follow Jesus
if he did not know how to listen and obey!
Lord, help me to listen AND obey!
Every week I choose one wonderful visitor
who leaves a comment
to receive an ATC from me.
I know it takes so much time and effort
to leave a comment
and I appreciate it soooo much!
This week,
Random.org chose
#43, Connie who is a woman of
many talents!
She is so creative with her sewing machine
and her guitar!
Sometimes I put on my best pajamas
and join these great parties!
and
Blessings,
Patsy
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