ICS Daily Devotions
Beware of Hardened Heart

Matt 13:4,18 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them… Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

It is crucial for us to understand this parable because it will determine what kind of Christian life we will be living out. Here, Jesus is dealing with the issue of the heart and the power of the Word. 

Where it says, “some seed fell by the wayside”, the wayside refers to a foot path, or the side of the field which has been much trampled and is extremely hard. It reminds us of people who have often heard the Word of God but have been so interested in other things that their own hearts have become hard as concrete. This may apply to the hearts of some unbelievers and those who grew up in a Christian home but do not believe in God.

There are also those who have hardened their hearts against God and His Word, possibly due to disappointment with other Christians, disillusionment due to unrealised dreams, misunderstanding about God or simply being tired of religion. Satan takes advantage of these situations and ensures that the seed does not find a place in their hearts. “The wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart”—that is the nature of the devil, for he always steals, kills and destroys.

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

The word “snatches” suggests that Satan comes immediately to take away the Word by force, because it is easier to steal it when it is still in the form of a seed. Because Satan does not want us to grow spiritually, have faith in God and live victoriously, he wants to prevent the seed from taking root in our hearts because the Word can become the anchor of our soul.

If you belong to this category, simply ask the Lord for forgiveness for unknowingly allowing the devil to steal from your life thus causing you to not experience God. Then, make a decision to open up your heart to receive the Word.

Sermon Series: Breaking Free – What does Jesus wants us to know