SCRIPTURE: Mark 4:13-20
On the one hand this parable describes different types of people.
But now I also see that all of the seeds apply to me at different times.
I have times when Satan snatches God’s message from me, times when I accept it in a shallow way, times when things distract me away from believing it, and times when it is very productive in my life.
Jesus’ message has the power to radically transform and improve my life.
God’s love for me, forgiveness and Holy Spirit power, a meaningful life of purpose, assurance of success and eternal life… this is life-changing stuff.
This parable is both a warning and an encouragement.
A warning that 75% of the time I am likely to miss out on the message.
There are pressures and powers at work in and around me to keep me from experiencing this life-changing message.
It is also an encouragement to focus on the seed, to embrace it’s potential, and to anticipate great results.
So how am I responding to God’s message right now?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, life could be so much more fulfilling, more productive, if I allowed Your message to impact my life fully. Grow Your seed in me!
As Jesus gives us his word, and we accept his new life in us, we are asked to reproduce this in others. Some people hear the word, and ignore it. Some people try it for a while, but live as if it doesn’t matter. But some people are able to take God’s word, and show others the way to new life in Christ.
If this is the measure of a follower of Jesus, then I need to step it up a bit. In order for produce in my garden to be healthy and to reproduce itself, It needs to be healthy itself. With proper nourishment, water, sun, etc. a crop can be found to feed my family and others. For my life as a follower of Jesus, I need to ensure that I am getting the proper nourishment, proper life affirming spiritual food, and the Son of God as my source of life. Only then can I be a blessing to others, and serve others.
I pray that God will remain my source of life, and that I can be a positive source of life to those around me.