“For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.” (Matthew 13:12, NKJV)

As the ministry of Christ progressed, He spoke mostly in parables to the multitudes. The mysteries of the kingdom were hidden from those who lacked the capacity to receive them. However, to His disciples Jesus explained everything, for it was given to them to know the mysteries of the kingdom. They had been granted the gift of faith, and the eyes of their understanding had been opened. Their receptivity to Gospel light ensured that more light would be given them.

How do we respond to the truth? Most of us would like to think that we love the truth. We would never want to walk in self-deception or error. We would never want to spurn God’s good counsel. But we must be careful how we hear. If we hear the Word, but we do not obey the Word, then we deceive ourselves (James 1:22). And if we do not value the Word of God, then even what we have will be taken away from us.

This is what happened to the Pharisees. They searched the Scriptures because they believed that through them, they had eternal life. But these testified of Jesus, yet they refused to come to Him (John 5:39-40). Consequently, what knowledge they had of the things of God was being taken away from them. They were blind guides who became blinder still.

If we take in more of God’s Word, but we refuse to do what it says, then we only add to our judgment, for to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:47-48). But if we love God’s Word and seek by His grace to do what it says, then God will continue to reveal more to us and guide us in His steps.

“The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” (Psalm 25:14, NKJV)