Luke 8:16-21  Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."   This next parable connects "hearing" to "doing".  If we have received the "light".. the true Word of God... we will not.. or better yet, we "cannot" hide it. "For nothing is hidden that shall not become evident, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to light." 

Either we will receive the Word.. and bear fruit.. or we will not.. it will be snatched away, choked out, or cut off.  There will be evidence in our lives, one way or another. 

"Therefore take care how you hear.. "  Stop and chew on that for a bit.   When we read the Word, do we hurry through and check off the number of verses or chapters we did.. or do we listen carefully for what God, our Father is saying to us by His Holy Spirit? 

 I once read a book from an evangelist who wrote about hearing the voice of God in every part of the Bible.  We don't have to ignore the Old Testament or read a certain amount every day to make our quota.  If we just read through the Bible.. listening for the voice of the Lord.. He will speak.  That's why I call this blog "Listening to the Shepherd's voice".. and continue through the Word one book at a time.  No matter where I am reading.. the Lord reveals Himself!  Not that I am any great authority.. but, it is how He has led me by His grace. 

When Jesus hears that His mother and brothers have come to speak to Him.. He does not rush out to meet them.. there was another important point that He  wanted to emphasize .. " My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it." 

It is not enough to hear the Word.. but that is vital as Romans 10:17 reminds us.. "So faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of Christ."  If we don't hear the Word we cannot believe it.. and how can we hear it unless someone tells us.. someone who doesn't hide the Light under his bed... someone who has heard the Word and does it... someone who's life" bears fruit with perseverance."

Father in heaven,  the psalmist wrote, "In Thy light we see light." (36:9) You have given to us the Light of the world, Jesus Christ.  John wrote, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men."  His life.. every word He spoke, every work He did, every act of compassion and kindness.. shines brightly, testifying of Your goodness and love for all people.  Your Light, Jesus, opened our blind eyes to see You.  You took us out of the domain of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of Your Son.. Hallelujah!   Thank You for the Word of God that brings faith.. and transforms us into Your children so that we can also be the "light of the world" as we do the things that the Word says.. bearing much fruit to the glory and honor of Your Name. Amen!