Rejecting the Easy Path

Scripture: Therefore I speak to them in parables:

‘Because they look, but do not see.
    And they listen, but they do not hear, neither do they understand.’

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says:

‘By hearing, you will hear and shall not understand,
    and seeing, you will see and shall not perceive;
for this people’s heart has grown dull.
    Their ears have become hard of hearing,
    and they have closed their eyes,
lest they should see with their eyes
    and hear with their ears
    and understand with their hearts,
and turn, and I should heal them.’

Matthew 13:13-15

Observation: In this large passage of parables, Jesus himself calls out the reason for parables being part of the prophesy of Isaiah. However, in quoting that prophesy, the footnotes refer this all back to ... Isaiah, Deuteronomy (Moses), Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and the Psalms. That is quite the "A" list of prophets!!

The prophesy itself is about the failure of the people to listen and understand the message of the Messiah. If they would see, hear, and understand, God could heal their hearts. However, it is known that they will not. In fact, the majority of the time, people do not believe the word of Jesus, both in his time, and today, and in all the passing time in between.

Application: The irony to all this is what I almost chose to write about today - Matthew 11:30 - "For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Faith in Jesus is the easy path of life. However, not only do so many reject it, but the prophets knew they would.

That said, rejecting the easy life of Jesus is daily and moment-by-moment decision, and often I too reject it. I reject it through my thoughts and deeds. I reject it by clinging to issues and solving my problems without prayer. I reject it by getting angry and acting in that anger instead of turning over the issue to God and seeking peace within and with others. I reject it any time my first thought of others isn't a thought of love, compassion, peace, and appreciation.

I have ears, I have eyes, and my heart understands. I seek the healing of Jesus. I need to seek it every moment.

Prayer: Abba, father, please forgive my sins. I am too quick to anger, far too quick to judge, and too proud to surrender. Please forgive me of this, soften my heart, and turn my thoughts to you. I seek your light and easy way in my life. Help me to humbly walk with you today. Amen.