Perils of the Obdurate Heart; Luke 8:8-10

Delivered during the Sunday morning worship service, 9/18/2022. In what seems like an interlude between the parable of the sower and its interpretation, Jesus instructs his disciples on the nature of revelation. His revelation is selective, speaking through parables to reveal the truth to some while obscuring it from others. He divides the world into two groups, those who will listen and accept His message and those who will not. But even though He clearly establishes God's sovereignty in choosing those who will "know" the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, this does not soften His warning to those with hardened hearts who reject it. We will grapple with the profound principles embedded in this short passage, concerning the parallel Scriptural teaching on God's sovereignty and human responsibility. Ultimately we will recognize the peril of the obdurate heart which becomes so hardened it can neither see nor hear God's clear revelation. But rather than question God's fairness in His election we will praise Him for the mercy that changes hardened hearts into believing, redeemed souls-- cultivated by the Holy Spirit to receive the glorious "seed" of the Gospel.