The Seed Sown

Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Mark 4:18-19 (NIV)

This is not the only time Jesus uses the analogy of the Word of God entering us like a seed which was sown.  It seems to be a fine example of what germinates within our souls.  When words of Salvation and of God and His kingdom are planted within us then the reaction is very like that of a seed which is set to take its course.  A tiny apparently lifeless thing is placed in a situation where life may spring forth.

Seeds planted in different types of soil or conditions may have quite different outcomes, just like those seeds of the Spirit which enter the heart of men and women.  Jesus instructs people through His stories to demonstrate how things may be viewed from a heavenly standpoint.  Ones without experience, like us humans find it difficult to capture the relevance and urgency these matters hold in that realm where our Father and His Son reign supreme.  But with a little help from above we may gaze into that shining country through Christ´s help.

Even those of us who have made a choice to place importance on the Divine, still find ourselves living in an environment which would be hazardous to spiritual growth.  The world, our earthly nature and the Devil would all mount up efforts to try to keep our hearts from producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.  But we should not give up hope, because the Savior reassures us that some seed does land in good soil and it will produce the desired harvest.

Those of us, who would concern ourselves with a matter such as this, will want to know for sure if the seeds that Jesus has planted within our hearts are growing.  We will not settle for the assurance of any other than Him.  Neither our church, nor our doctrine will give us the reassurance we need.  The only voice we will listen to is a familiar sweet voice that is tangible and One that we can hear.  Those whose hearts burn in passion for our Lord and seek Him above and before all else, will strain, plead and pray until their confirmation comes from above.

Dear Lord, we confront an issue today which concerns us greatly.  We have heard the dangers and the warnings that the things of this life would harm our spiritual growth.  There is nothing we can allow to come between us and You that would separate us or keep us from growing up in faith.  Please bring painfully before our awareness, if need be, all the little things that would keep the seed of Your Spirit from producing Your intended crop in us.  Draw us ever upward above all those setbacks and dangers so that Your sowing may bring You the harvest of Spirit and soul which You deserve.  So weed out the worries of this life and the thistles of desires after worldly wealth along with all other desires that would choke us.  And make our hearts into fine soil that the Spirit and the Word may grow uninhibited within us today and forevermore.

Amen