June 9
Mark 4:1-20
The book of Mark does not contain nearly as many parables as the books of Matthew and Luke. However, there are a few in Mark, and that is what we will be seeing over the next few days. Before we delve into them, we should take a look at why Jesus speaks in parables instead of just saying the point. Even Jesus’ disciples wondered why He did this. In answer to this the NLT version says, “He replied, ‘You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.’” (vs. 11-12a) That scripture Jesus is talking about is found in Isaiah 6:9-10 “He said, ‘Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their hearts, and turn and be healed.’” Jesus used parables to conceal His message from those who where hard hearted and would not accept it (bad soil!). But for those who were seeking Him, and whose hearts were ready, they would hear the truth and understand. I’m not going to say much about this particular parable, because Jesus explained it for us, and I don’t think I could do a better job. I’ll just say this; while you’re out there spreading seeds, remember that not all hearts are ready and waiting to hear the truth. Sometimes, we need to do a little cultivation! Only when there is good, ready soil can God’s word take root and grow as it should.
Principle: The quality of the soil determines the future of the seed.
Application:
1. What opportunities do I have to sow the seed of God’s Word today?
2. Do I pray for the condition of the “soil” or am I more concerned with my sowing technique?
3. What circumstances in my life does God want to use to cultivate my “soil” so that I can receive new truths?
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The main thing I notice about the sower is that he threw seed everywhere. He didn't say, "That soil looks too shallow!" He just threw seed. I want to be that kind of sower...sharing God's word with EVERYONE instead of pre-judging who might be the most receptive. Sowers...let's throw seed everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI know this parable is about planting seeds for others but I can also relate to the different types of growing conditions. Personally speaking, I think my soil is good. It is the weeds that I struggle with. I have to be constantly in a weeding mode or they will completely take over (like my former garden in the back yard).
ReplyDeleteI´ve been thinking about how I respond to people on mission trips and when I am ¨supposed to be¨ sharing truth. I am quick to speak with people in other countries. I´m so quick to say, ¨Hello,¨and start conversations, but at home, I rush, and I rarely stop to think about those passing by. How hard would it be for me really to start throwing the seed at home everywhere too_ Why can´t I ask the cashierÑ How was your day_ Man, I hope I don´t return from this mission trip the same.
ReplyDeleteI love the last 2 sentences: "Sometimes, we need to do a little cultivation! Only when there is good, ready soil can God’s word take root and grow as it should" I think that a big part of this cultivation is our testimony of the way we live and speak . I would like to keep that thought of "getting the soil ready" close to my heart, so that I won't thwart God's plan for me to bold in sharing His written word when He gives me the opportunity. If people don't see The Lord in me, how will they ever hear it from me? A very sobering thought. THANK YOU
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, thank you God for allowing me to hear and understand. Secondly, fruit inspection time. What has blossomed from the buds of my allotted years on this earth so far and when am I going to get serious about the work of sowing?
ReplyDeleteThis is completely off this subject. I've never understood verses 10-12. Why did Jesus teach in parables if He knew the people weren't going to understand Him in the first place? Was it to get them to think about what He had said?
ReplyDeleteAs I read this I was thinking along the same lines as John. Spread God's word everywhere all the time. But remember that some of it will fall in the road, on the rocks and among the weeds and will need to be spread again before it can take hold and produce fruit. As Sarah said some cultivating will need to take place in those places before it will take hold and and need to remember to culitvate and re-seed. It will not always be a one time sharing with some people.
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