And he said, “Yes, go, and say to this people, ‘Listen carefully, but do not understand. Watch closely, but learn nothing.’ Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing.” [Amos 6.9-10]
Is this scripture significant? I would say so based on the fact that Jesus quoted it and that three of the four Gospels thought it was important enough to record it!
There is obviously more to the Word of God than meets the casual eye. In fact, there is more to the Word of God than meets the less-than-astute student of the Word of God.
Even further still, Amos is clear that even those who "listen carefully do not understand." He further describes those who "watch closely but learn nothing."
So, even being an astute student of God's Word is no guarantee that one will "get it."
What then is the key to understanding? Well, that is the significance of Jesus' parable of the sower! The parable of the sower contains valuable information regarding "getting it" or "not getting it" regarding God's Word.
I am not going to try to define "getting it" or "not getting it" here except to say that Jesus was very clear, as was Amos, that "getting it" yielded no uncertain condition. That condition was healing. In Mark's Gospel, Jesus is on record of having used the synonym "forgiven" instead of "healing."
Furthermore, Jesus was very clear that the result of "getting it" or "healing" or "forgiveness" as portrayed by the parable of the sower was quantifiable. In other words, it could be seen and measured - it would be tangible. The successful sower would bear real, tangible, measurable fruit.
Here is what has been on my heart for some time now (as evidenced in months and months of daily writings): we cannot say we have faith but have no works to prove it. James was very clear that faith without works is dead.
And, if our works do not prove the tangible results (fruit) of our faith, then we desperately need to reevaluate our faith! Just because we call something faith does not make it faith! Faith is known by its tangible works, not by intangible feelings, etc.
Jesus said His followers would do the same works He did.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]
Let's just get real: if we are not doing at least the same works as Jesus, then we are not believers in Jesus.
Perhaps we are the most well-educated students of the Bible ever to walk the earth. But, if there is no fruit - no "works of Jesus" - evident and tangible in our lives, then we are NOT believers (educated as we may be). The Word of God says this - and in particular, Jesus Himself said it.
Yes, I am heavily indicted by my own words here! And here is what I am going to do about it: I AM REPENTING DAILY FOR MY POWERLESS AND "WORK-LESS" (IE. "WORTHLESS") LIFE!
Father, I don't want to be the one who does not see or understand! I do not want to be the one with no evidence of Your Word in my life. I do not want to be without fruit! I do not want to be without the works of Jesus! Forgive me for my faithlessness! Forgive me for lying to myself that I am okay, when there is no tangible fruit coming from my life! Forgive me and help me!
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