What Did You Hear?

As I was reading here in Mark Chapter 4 the word “HEAR” caught my attention. The word “HEAR” is mentioned 18 times in the book of Mark. The first time we read it is in Mark chapter 4 and in verse 9 and it’s mentioned 2 times “And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” All together it’s mentioned 10 times out of 18 in chapter 4. Wow, there must be something the reader needs to pay attention to and hear in Mark Chapter 4.   Do more than just listen, let it be more than just noise in the background. Hear what Jesus is saying and teaching about the Ground and the seed.  Hear what’s being said about The Lamp Under The Basket.  Mark 4:21 (KJV) And 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? When I first read that my first thoughts was the song I use to teach in the Children Church to the boys and girls. 

“This little light o’ mine, I'm goin’ let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Evrywhere I go, I'm goin’ let it shine (repeat)

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a Bushel, No, I'm goin’ let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

In my neighbor's home, I'm goin’ let it shine  (repeat)

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.“

Jesus asked a question “Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed?”  Course not it’s to be put on a lamp stand to give off its light.  

Mark 4:22 (KJV) For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. The light illuminates things that can’t be seen in the dark. But it also reveals that which is secret. I see another word picture here. It’s The Word  that Jesus was talking about in the verses earlier. Why do I think that? Here’s why. 

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

Mark 4:24 (KJV) And 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. Pay attention to what you're listening to!  This is the way knowledge increases.

Mark 4:25 (KJV)  For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. Those who understand will be given more knowledge. Some don’t or won’t listen, so over time they lose what they knew. 

It’s all summed up in this verse 

Luke 6:45 (KJV) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. We are either increasing or decreasing. 

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.