A PERSONAL TUTOR - Matthew 13:31-35
A PERSONAL TUTOR - Matthew 13:31-35
What Does it Say? The kingdom of heaven is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a field that grows into a huge tree that birds can nest in. A small amount of yeast affects a large amount of flour. God speaks in parables revealing what has been hidden since the world began.
What Does it Mean? The mustard seed would not grow into anything if it was not planted in the field. Yeast will not do anything if it is not added to the dough. Jesus spoke in parables about truths that have been hidden since the creation of the world. There is no way we can figure them out on our own. The crowds that listened to what Jesus was saying could not understand unless Jesus gave them the understanding. The Pharisees couldn't understand because they had hardened their hearts. To those who want to understand like Nicodemus, God gives understanding. It is pretty awesome to think that the Creator of the universe cares enough that we understand His secrets that He personally explains them to us. Jesus explained His parables to His disciples, those that He knew were serious about wanting to follow His leading. God helps us understand in a variety of ways. First we need to be interested and do what we can to learn, starting with reading the word, listening to a message or some other way of hearing the Word. Before I read the Bible, I ask God to help me understand what he is saying and show me what He wants me to do with what He tells me. When I first read a passage, I often don't understand what God is saying. Then I start to write what I do understand and God gives me understanding as I write. I can't write anything if God doesn't tell me what to write. As I write it becomes clearer what God is saying and what difference He wants to make in my life. He created each of us differently and what works for me may not work for you. Hopefully these devotionals will help you gain a better understanding. We can be sure that we will not understand unless God explains it to us. God doesn't tell us anything for nothing. Sometimes He wants to give us specific instructions and other times He may just want to reassure us with a special truth that we need to hear the day that He tells us. We can plant seed in our life, but it takes God to give it life.