When I hear God’s Word, what happens to what I hear?

Not this, I hope:

“And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.” (Mark 4:15).

But that’s sure what will happen if I don’t guard the truth I receive.

And how shall I guard that seed?

The only way I know how to do that is to obey it.

Hear and obey — that’s what I want to do.

Hmmm. Does Satan have the opportunity every day to “steal” the Word from me?

Only if I’ve heard it that day!

Jesus’ enemies had it bad. Even in a situation where good might result, they could only hope for something negative.

And when something good did happen, they completely overlooked it. Because they were hoping for a negative on which to focus.

“And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him” (Mark 3:2).

When I read this a bit ago, it struck me that sometimes I listen to some people that way.

No, it really isn’t that bad with me. I don’t listen to some people hoping they will say something negative for which I can “hang” them.

But this is a huge reminder to me to not overlook good.

And to not hope for evil.