Forgetting God

He who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit. — Matthew 13:23

An insightful scholar by the name of A. J. Heschel recounts a story from his days as a student in Berlin. Although he was a devout man, he became so preoccupied by the arts in that glittering culture that one day he failed to pray at sunset, as his custom had been without fail. He admits, “The sun had gone down, evening had arrived . . . I had forgotten God.”

Heschel’s omission may seem minor to us, but his zeal shows that he understands the importance of cultivating the spiritual life.

Jesus told a story of a sower, a seed, and four kinds of soil (Matt. 13:1-9). The soil among the thorns represented those who permit the Word of God in their hearts to be choked by the cares and pleasures of the alluring world (vv. 7, 22).

That’s a dangerous possibility for anyone who thoughtlessly responds to God’s Word. The world may induce a forgetfulness of spiritual reality and responsibility.

Do we allow the attractions of this world to keep us from reading and meditating on God’s Word? Prayerfully, let us strive to be like the one who “hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces” (v. 23).

When the sun sets tonight, let it not be said that we have forgotten God. — Vernon Grounds

Take time to be holy,

Speak oft with thy Lord;

Abide in Him always

And feed on His Word. — Longstaff

READ:  Matt. 13:1-9, 18-23

Prayer and obedience to God will cultivate the soil of a hard heart.

The Bible in one year:

• Genesis 46-48

• Matthew 13:1-30