In the fourth chapter of Mark just after the parable of the sower, I find something I notice for the first time. I am beginning to see some principles of the Word of God revealed. In the verses, right after the Jesus’ explanation of the parable of the sower, He goes into an exhortation about how the light of a candle is not supposed to be hidden. Take a look at the  verses in chapter 4:

21And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

22For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

23If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

24And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

25For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

Since Jesus just finished telling a parable about the word of God I think it is safe to say that He is still talking about the word of God with an explanation of the candle. So what do we learn from it? Well, from verse 21 and 22 I believe Jesus is saying that God’s word to man is not intended to be permanently hidden. It is not meant to remain a mystery. He says there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed and nothing secret that shall not be broadcast. The key to this understanding of the Word of God is in verse 23. Hear it again:

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. (Mark 4:23)

I think this has to do with our desire to hear the Word and understand it. In the next verse, the Lord says…

“Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.” (Mark 4:24)

In other words, consider carefully what you are hearing. Give it some thought, some meditation, because, depending on how much attention you give will determine how much you understand, and, how much more will be given to you.

The more you understand the Word of God the more faith you are going to have. Remember Romans 10:17…So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The Word of God is as important to your spiritual life as food and water are to your physical body. When Jesus was tempted by the devil He said that…

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes out of the mouth of God.”(Matt 4:4 paraphrased).

The Word of God should have first place in our lives. It should be considered the foundation on which we make all decisions. It is not enough to just read it every day. We must meditate on it until we get a deeper understanding. When we understand it we should obey it because it brings the blessings that we all want. And to obey God’s word is to demonstrate faith and love.  Jesus said…

“If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

The parable of the sower is about the Word of God and how it can affect the life of the one hearing it. The Word of God is very powerful. In fact, it is alive, and able to transform your life. The problem with us today is that we don’t give enough time to the Word of God. We all want faith and the power of God flowing in our lives. What it takes is the Word of God. And that’s just a good start.