DAY #58: February 27, 2009 - Mark 4:1-20

Jesus often used parables when teaching the crowds. A parable compels listeners to discover truth, while at the same time conceals the truth from those too stubborn or hard hearted to see it. In this passage, Jesus told a parable that His audience could easily relate to—a farmer planting seed. In ancient Israel, seed was sown by hand. As the farmer walked across the field, he would throw handfuls of seed from a large bag slung across his shoulders. No matter how skillful, no farmer could keep some of his seed from being scattered among rocks and thorns, or from being carried off by the wind. So the farmer would throw the seed liberally, and enough would fall on good ground to ensure the harvest.

Some of the seeds fell on a footpath. The hard and compacted soil of the road made it impossible for the seed to penetrate. So it sat on top, as tempting morsels for the birds that came and ate the seeds. Some of that seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprang up quickly in the shallow soil, but the sun took the moisture out so rapidly that the young plants wilted. Some of the farmer’s seed fell among thorns. Thorns rob the sprouts of nutrition, water, light, and space. Thus, when the thorns grew up, the good seed was choked out.

However, some of the seed landed in fertile soil. This seed had the depth, space, and moisture to grow, multiply, and produce a crop. Those willing to really listen and hear the truths that were taught and act upon what they heard were the good soil. Some people in the crowd were only curious about Jesus, a few were looking for evidence to use against him, and others truly wanted to learn and grow. Jesus’ words were for the honest seekers. Those who honestly seek God’s will have spiritual hearing, so they will be able to listen and understand.

The farmer was God. The seed that is sown is the word of God. The story reveals people’s varying responses to the gospel message. The attitude or condition of their hearts would govern their response. The word makes no impression on the “hard-path” people. Satan comes at once and takes it away. Perhaps the person feels no need in his or her heart, no desire for anything other than this life, no guilt of sin or need of forgiveness.

The “rocky-soil” people hear the message and receive it with joy. These people receive the Good News of the gospel because of the promises offered. They initially show some promise of growth. These people understand some of the basics but do not allow God’s truth to work its way into their souls and make a difference in their lives—their roots don’t go very deep and thus they wilt. When the storms of life come their way, they fall away.

“Thorny-ground” people hear and accept the Good News and allow it to take root in their hearts, giving hope of a harvest. But “thorns” grow up and choke out the growing seed—distractions and conflicts rob new believers of time to reflect on and digest God’s word in order to grow. Jesus described the thorns: cares of this life, lure of wealth, and desire for nice things. Worldly cares (no matter how important or how minor), the false sense of security brought on by prosperity, and the desire for material things (including anything that serves to distract a person) plagued first-century disciples as they do us today. Daily routines overcrowd and materialistic pursuits distract believers so no crop is produced.

But other people are like the good soil—they hear and accept the authority of God's word and produce a huge harvest. These are the true disciples—those who have accepted Jesus, believed his words, and allowed him to make a difference in their lives.


SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

I am more passionate today about growing true disciples than ever before in my life. Disciples that have hearts to grow and hearts to serve and hearts to persevere through whatever suffering/trials that come their way. Lord, grow the people of COV. Give them a heart for You. Give them a heart to what is right. Protect them from the evil that is so prevalent. Protect them from the ravenous wolves that would drag them down and pull them away from You. Teach them about spiritual warfare and putting on the armor of God - daily.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)

PRAYER

Lord, teach our people how to be discerning when it comes to their friendships. Guard their hearts and minds. Protect their purity and innocence.

"Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

Lord, teach our people the principle of G.I.G.O. = Garbage In - Garbage Out. Be careful little eyes what you see.