We may have a standing invitation to come to Christ, but the Spirit must open our eyes to our need for Him.

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. John 6:44

The objection could be raised that if we need the Spirit to reveal our need, then there is no free will. Not so! Once the Spirit reveals our need, there’s our choice. The question really is, “Does the Spirit reveal to everyone his need?” To answer this question, we must go to the Parable of the Sower found in Mark 4:1-20. It’s also in Matthew 13:1-15 and Luke 8:4-15. We will look at Jesus’ first sentence in His explanation of the parable, ¹⁴ The farmer sows the word.“

What?! Is that it? Pretty much. If Jesus is the word (John 1:1-3), the Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18), and the word is sown in people’s hearts, then the Spirit IS revealing to people their need of Jesus. Jesus said, “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them‘” (Luke 16:29). Then, He said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63). Paul said, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ“ (Romans 10:17).

The first three seeds fell on different soils. The soils represent the hearts of people. The seed is the same–there’s nothing wrong with it. The problem is that the soils are not ready to receive the seed. It’s a wonder that anyone is ever saved! It’s actually by God’s grace that the Spirit reveals our need to us. Let’s praise the Lord for His bountiful gift of grace!

Abba, thank You for revealing to me my need of You. I would like for everyone to be in a place to recognize Your voice and allow You to reveal their need of You to them. Please give me opportunities to work the soil of hearts so that Your word can be planted in good soil. May the harvest be to Your glory, Lord. Amen.