Therefore, cleanse your sinful hearts and stop being stubborn.
Devotional Text
A proud, resistant heart pays no attention to the Word of God. Israel was stubborn, self-willed, disobedient, and hardhearted. How often have we followed suit and lived in habits and patterns that were obviously contrary to the Word of God? However, a tender heart that receives the Word of God and submits to it is precious to the Lord. Jesus encouraged His disciples to be those of a noble and good heart, who heard the Word, retained it, and by persevering would “steadily produce a huge harvest” (Luke 8:15). The more tender our hearts and the more attentive our ears, the more revelation God will give us (v. 18). Jesus’ own mother and brothers did not qualify as much as those who heard God’s Word and put it into practice (v. 21). When you read something in God’s Word, receive it with a tender, honest heart. Give it first place, apply it, and let it change you. As you do, you will cultivate the ground of your heart for a harvest—thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold!