Love the Word! (Mark 4:20)

Mark 4:20 says, "... these are they that are sown on good ground, such as hear the word, and receive (it), and bring forth fruit..." 

RECEIVE

There are at least 19 different Greek words translated "receive".

This particular word is only used 7 times in all of scripture. [Ex.23:1; Prov.3:12; Mk.4:20; Acts.16:21; 22:18; 1Tim. 5:19; Heb.12:6]

With the seeming exception of Hebrews 12:6, and Proverbs 3:12, where Hebrews is quoted from, every use of the term, in the Greek, has to do with 'receiving words'. [The reality is that both the passages cited also refer to receiving, in the context of words].

The word conveys the idea of receiving with favor from someone; of welcoming, and even entertaining what is given.

ATTITUDE

It is obvious from the implication of the word, that it reflects not only the attitude towards what is spoken, but the attitude towards the giver.

Also, what is implicit in the word, is that what is received is allowed to influence the receiver. [i.e., affect a change in behavior or action].

HEBREW

The Hebrew meaning of the word translated in the Greek, reflects the idea of 'delighting in', and even 'the element of love, and treating with favor'.

Very specific, is the imagery of embracing what is given, or spoken, as a positive act of the will, where hearty acceptance manifests the pleasure a person has towards what is given.

The word actually defines relationship between the giver and the receiver, in that part of the visual imagery is taking something from the hand of another. Therefore there is a certain element of trust that is implicit in the relationship.

PREGNANT with MEANING

Another adjective that is used to describe this definition of "receiving", and akin to love, is the word to "cherish".

The word "receive" is so pregnant with meaning, in that it conveys so many positive images by association, not the least of which, is that what is "received", is acknowledged as one's own possession.

When the passage in Mark 4:20 is examined, it is our love for the word; cherishing; valuing the word; embracing it as our own, from our loving heavenly Father, that causes the impact of bringing forth fruit and producing long term positive effects in our lives. We choose to delight in the corrective and instructional words of our Father, and our lives are blessed.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours