Re: Verse reading–Matthew 13:1-23 (day two)
For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. vs. 15
If you have ever done any work with your hands for an extended period of time you understand about blisters and callouses. Musicians who play the guitar or bass understand well the benefits of building up a callous on your fingers. When you begin to learn the instrument your fingers are unused to the pressure and irritation caused by the constant manipulation of the strings. After a painful bout with blisters and bandages persistent players will develop a good callous to protect their sensitive skin.
Great for those musicians, not so for our hearts. We will often react in a similar fashion when we are tested or challenged. It hurts, and that isn’t fun. One of our defense mechanisms is to develop a protective layer around those areas that are vulnerable to wounding. This, however, puts a barrier between a true healing that can come from being faithfully obedient to God’s Word. Whatever it is, remove it. God will take care of the rest.
