Let the Word Bear Fruit

Meditation from Luke Chapter 8

Opportunity and avenues have become plenty for us to read and hear the Word of God through various means. But does the Word truly bear fruit in our life?

Let’s see what stops the Word of God from bearing fruit.

1. The Devil – “The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.” (Luke 8:12)

When we give space for the devil, he takes away the Word from our hearts. Right after reading or listening to the Word, do we think about the Word or give way for the devil?

2. Time of Testing – “The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away.” (8:13)

How do we respond to difficult situations and people? Do we respond according to the Word of God or according to our feelings? Testing times are opportunities for us to practice the Word!

3. Cares, Riches & Pleasures of Life – “As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.” (8:14)

Do we allow the cares & concerns of life, riches & possessions and pleasures of life to choke the Word? Like Jesus, when tested & tempted, we need to overcome these by the Word of God (Luke 4:1-13).

How do we allow the Word to bear fruit?

Jesus says calls the heart that allows the word to bear fruit as a ‘good and honest heart’ that bears fruit with patient endurance (Luke 8:15).

1. How we Listen – “pay attention to how you listen” (8:18). How much we pay attention to the Word of God?

How not to listen – One, every Word is for us personally and we should not read or listen with a sense that it is for someone else. Two, do we close our ears because we don’t like the person who is sharing? Allow not the prejudice on someone to stop from listening to the pure word of God.

2. Hear & Do – “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” (8:21)

We are called not only to read & listen to the Word, but to act upon it. Obedience to the Word is imperative.

In the incident that follows this parable, Jesus’s disciples are in a boat with Him and when there is severe storm and when they were in danger they cry out to Jesus, “They went to him and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”” (8:24) and Jesus chides them for their lack of faith (8:25). Testing times are times for us to demonstrate the Word.

Let’s not allow anything of the devil, the testing times, cares, riches and pleasures of life to choke the word and from stopping it to bear fruit in our life. Let’s pay attention how we read & listen to the Word and let us not only be hearers, but also doers of the Word.