Devotion for Sunday, November 29, 2025

“With many such parables He was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to hear it; and He did not speak to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples” (Mark 4:33-34).

Who can receive the word of the Lord.  Many hear the words, but they do not understand.  Jesus gives us parables as a beginning place.  If we are willing to think, reason, and seek understanding, He will teach us what these parables mean.  It is not a matter of intelligence, but of the Lord granting us wisdom through His word.  Understanding His grace and mercy, and knowing that by faith we follow Jesus, He grows in us His character and prepares us to be with Him forever.

Lord, this world is filled with goofy ideas about all kinds of things.  Guide me out of the sinful thinking of this world to understand that Your word, which is from eternity, leads to eternity.  You have given the words of eternal life.  Help me to receive Your word of truth and abide richly in the wisdom You grant to those who are willing to receive the seed of Your word and watch it grow throughout a faithful life.

Lord Jesus, You have come so that as many as believe, acting upon the word You have given, may see Your word sprout and grow.  Lead me today, Lord, with willingness to see Your word grow a little more in me.  Help me to see the many ways in which You have been abiding in me so that I may, with greater willingness, abide in You.  Help me each step of the way so that I do not receive just through parables, but through Your instruction.  Amen.