Mark 4:33-34
33 With many such parables He was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to hear it; 34 and He did not speak to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples.
Message: Speaking Ever in Parables
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
There were instances that Jesus did not speak in parables, even to those that were not His disciples (John 6:22-59 as an example), but clearly parables were such a part of his ministry that the statement He did not speak to them without a parable thus one could say they were always a part of his teaching. I find it interesting that people love stories. Fictional stories are interwoven in all of our lives on a constant basis. We often look to movies, shows, story books, to express ideas that are central to our lives. In life, we are enraptured by TV shows that simply present stories for us and we are entertained by them. Some stories are simple, some not. All to often, when gathering with people, they will bring up the love of these stories and how they are constantly drawn to them in life. Thus, it seems most reasonable that Jesus used these stories to teach people ideas about Him and what He is doing or will do. There are Christian authors like JR Tolkien and CS Lewis that have you fictional stories to paint a picture of Christ and the work of God in our lives. One could say that parables and stories are interwoven through all of our lives on a constant basis.
I think this is the message that Mark simply wants to convey in these verses. With many such parables He was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to hear it. The reality is some would not listen. Jesus has said He who has an ear, let him hear. Not everyone perks up their ears and listens and listens with the notion of understanding, taking it in, and changing. Even me, I have had many of time of going to church and sitting there thinking about other things troubling me at the time and the message goes in one ear and out the other. I can resonate with not listening at times.
Promise: We cannot listen on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to illuminate the words of Jesus. The Holy Spirit was given to give us understanding of all that Jesus said. He opens our eyes to the meaning of His Word. He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples and today the Holy Spirit is explaining everything to us, the follower of Christ, His disciples.
Prayer: O Lord, thank you again for the using stories to speak wonderful truths to our lives. Even in my own life, you used a story from a movie to speak to me about the seriousness of life and death and that story quickened me to salvation. Thank you for parables and what they speak to us. There are stories throughout our lives that you use in many different forms and they give us great joy and thank you for being the creator of stories. Help me to continue to listen and listen well and desire to learn and apply the meanings to my life. .
Monday, January 29, 2018
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Mark 4:30-32 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Mark 4:30-32
30 And He said, “How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, 32 yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that the birds of the air can nest under its shade.”
Message: The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
[Note: My computer has been down all week. I guess its time to get a new laptop. Uggh.]
Once again, the kingdom of God is mentioned, for the 3rd time in this chapter. The kingdom of God could be most simply describing the Church, on earth, or those that have been called by Him. There is community in the Church as we work together for the mission of the gospel and impacting other people's lives. In these verses there seems to be the expansion of the Kingdom of God. In verse 11, what has been given people is this community, while some are outside of it. And then in verses 26-29 was a description of the Kingdom of God and how it works and the fruit of it is being something that only God will produce.
We are the kingdom of God on earth and as such it is understood that we are together, living and working together. There is this community that we have. Two are better than one.
And these verses are likening the kingdom of God to a parable. It is really answering the question - How shall we picture the kingdom of God - how shall we see what the kingdom of God is like or how does Jesus want us to see what the entire or whole kingdom of God is like.
At first, what we see, is it is small. It is like a mustard seed. In comparison to the cultural bodies the church is very small. It is a gathering of a small group of people. Perhaps, it is speaking to the fact that the church, at its beginning, is small. The individual that is called by God begins just as that, an individual. We all begin small.
But then it is sown upon the soil. The Parable of the Sower looked at different soils and the good soil was good because it was ready for growth. The soil was ready to accept the seed or the Word of God. By accepting this seed it is ready to grow.
Though the seed is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil. Once again, at its inception, at the beginning, the church is small. I love to witness church starts and I think they are more popular today because many are seeing that old, established churches don't have much growth in them. So, church starts are happening more and it is exciting, for they start small and then grown. I think also of churches like Calvary Chapel here that started with a handful of people in the late 70s and early 80s and now they are running 4 services on a weekend with 10,000 attending. It started as a mustard seed. But, still in comparison of the world it is still small as there are many more non-profit and organizations in the world.
yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches. The growth of the Body of Christ is the original pyramid scheme. One person tells another and suddenly the church is growing and expanding. How often have I heard the testimony of one family member becoming a follower of Christ and then the rest of the family follows. This is the gospel. It affects people in a profound way. Fruit results and yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold (v.8).
so that the birds of the air can nest under its shade - I think this reminds us of the impact the church has had on civilization. I think of the medical field. All of the hospitals in my city have at their origin something with the church. Compassion has been a hallmark of Christianity and helping one another has been its chief aim. The church continues to show compassion. I think of prison ministries that not only minister to prisoners, but help them transition back into life. I started working with a ministry in town called Next Step that simply helps those coming out of homelessness and prison transition into life. They begin to work and become members of society. There are many of these types of organizations like this and the church heads them all. The church is all about compassion and helping others.
30 And He said, “How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, 32 yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that the birds of the air can nest under its shade.”
Message: The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
[Note: My computer has been down all week. I guess its time to get a new laptop. Uggh.]
Once again, the kingdom of God is mentioned, for the 3rd time in this chapter. The kingdom of God could be most simply describing the Church, on earth, or those that have been called by Him. There is community in the Church as we work together for the mission of the gospel and impacting other people's lives. In these verses there seems to be the expansion of the Kingdom of God. In verse 11, what has been given people is this community, while some are outside of it. And then in verses 26-29 was a description of the Kingdom of God and how it works and the fruit of it is being something that only God will produce.
We are the kingdom of God on earth and as such it is understood that we are together, living and working together. There is this community that we have. Two are better than one.
And these verses are likening the kingdom of God to a parable. It is really answering the question - How shall we picture the kingdom of God - how shall we see what the kingdom of God is like or how does Jesus want us to see what the entire or whole kingdom of God is like.
At first, what we see, is it is small. It is like a mustard seed. In comparison to the cultural bodies the church is very small. It is a gathering of a small group of people. Perhaps, it is speaking to the fact that the church, at its beginning, is small. The individual that is called by God begins just as that, an individual. We all begin small.
But then it is sown upon the soil. The Parable of the Sower looked at different soils and the good soil was good because it was ready for growth. The soil was ready to accept the seed or the Word of God. By accepting this seed it is ready to grow.
Though the seed is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil. Once again, at its inception, at the beginning, the church is small. I love to witness church starts and I think they are more popular today because many are seeing that old, established churches don't have much growth in them. So, church starts are happening more and it is exciting, for they start small and then grown. I think also of churches like Calvary Chapel here that started with a handful of people in the late 70s and early 80s and now they are running 4 services on a weekend with 10,000 attending. It started as a mustard seed. But, still in comparison of the world it is still small as there are many more non-profit and organizations in the world.
yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches. The growth of the Body of Christ is the original pyramid scheme. One person tells another and suddenly the church is growing and expanding. How often have I heard the testimony of one family member becoming a follower of Christ and then the rest of the family follows. This is the gospel. It affects people in a profound way. Fruit results and yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold (v.8).
so that the birds of the air can nest under its shade - I think this reminds us of the impact the church has had on civilization. I think of the medical field. All of the hospitals in my city have at their origin something with the church. Compassion has been a hallmark of Christianity and helping one another has been its chief aim. The church continues to show compassion. I think of prison ministries that not only minister to prisoners, but help them transition back into life. I started working with a ministry in town called Next Step that simply helps those coming out of homelessness and prison transition into life. They begin to work and become members of society. There are many of these types of organizations like this and the church heads them all. The church is all about compassion and helping others.
- The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 by a Methodist. Its original purpose was for the husband and wife, William and Catherine Booth to bring salvation to the poor by meeting their physical and spiritual needs. It is present now in 128 countries.
- Compassion International began in 1952 by Everett Swanson, a Presbyterian minister, who went to Korea at the encouragement of a missionary, to help children orphaned in South Korea. It now serves 1,700,000 children in 26 countries.
- Robert Pierce, an American Baptist minister, founded World Vision in 1950, after he did an evangelistic rally in China in 1947, meeting a missionary teacher who who helping a battered child and gave her $5 and promised to send her money each month. It is now active in 90+ countries with 45,000 employees and $2.8 billion in receipts.
- In my city of Albuquerque, in 1908 Reverend Hugh Cooper, a Presbyterian Pastor, started a sanatorium to meet the needs of hundreds of tuberculosis patients coming into the City. Presbyterian now has 8 hospitals in 7 communities of New Mexico and over 900 beds.
Promise: Praise God how the mustard seed grows. There is no other explanation for the growth of God's kingdom other than that it is the work of God. This is a beautiful confirmation of the gospel.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the truth of Your word and letting me see its far-reaching effects. Thank you for the way your message has impacted millions. Many birds are impacted by the seed, too numerous to count. You do multiply and help me as your follower to continue to be faithful, listen to you, trust you, not lean on my own understanding, but accept all that you provide. I praise you God. You are great and so faithful.
Monday, January 22, 2018
Mark 4:26-29 - Slow and Steady Growth
Mark 4:26-29
26 And He was saying, “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; 27 and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows—how, he himself does not know. 28 The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. 29 But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
Message: Slow and Steady Growth
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
Most of chapter 4 has been dealing with the good soil, the falling of the seed and the Word of God into people's lives -- people that are called by God and then their responsibility to that calling. The Parable of the Sower showed all different kinds of surfaces the seed falls on, but upon it falling on the good soil was the remark that it was accepted and the fruit produced a large crop. And then that good soil (His called ones) have a responsibility to let their light shine and to live according to their calling. After the seed falls, the soil has the task of yielding fruit. Thus, I am a vessel or an instrument of the Lord. And I have a great responsibility as His Child.
I see a lot of part-time believers of God in life. That is not my calling. I am not to only go to church weekly and then behave as I want during the week -- seeking entertainment of every sort, working my trade or my job, raising my family, maintaining my belongings, and buying more -- those are parts of everyone's life and showing partial devotion is not my calling. I am to be equipped and run to the glory of God in all of my activities. Am I really praying, confessing my sin in detail and then offering prayers for others? Am I serving the body of Christ, serving those in need? Is my fellowship with other Christians purposeful, for His glory? My life has been bought at a cost (the Cross) and I have a responsibility to live in a different manner than all of my peers.
This new parable begins with this phrase - The kingdom of God is like. As I recall, in verse 11, in response to the disciples and followers asking Jesus for the meaning of the parables he says - To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables, The disciples possess the kingdom of God. I really just stop to mention this subject of the kingdom of God and its importance. I admit, my understanding of these verses is still a work in process. I don't understand completely. But here in these verses, there is something similar here. Could these parables be more for the disciples and followers and less for the great multitude for it is talking specifically about the kingdom of God or rather the good soil? Yet, it is a parable and the parable is given earlier to those on the outside. So, not understand that completely yet.
Here is the parable: a man casts seed upon the soil and he goes to bed at night and gets up the next day and the seed sprouts and grows, yet he himself does not know how or why even as the growth has occurred while he was sleeping. This parable is given without explanation. Immediately Jesus, I believe, is calling to their attention that as he just told them that they need to be obedient to their calling to be good soil and multiply, the multiplication or fruit is something he does. We cannot force this to happen in people's lives.
It reminds me of a visitation I did one time with a leader in the church and we went to the house of woman that lived nearby that had visited the church. I was in my 20s and so the church leader led the discussion. He shared the gospel and then rather forcibly led her to a decision. He persisted and pushed and pushed her until she sort of made a decision and then he walked out of there in celebration of what God had done. I saw the reverse. I didn't see that this was led by the Spirit, but maybe he saw something I didn't. For this message, I see Jesus saying that we are to water and we can give the plants food and care for it, but ultimate God will take charge of the growing.
Each person grows to a certain height, but no parent can determine how tall a person will be. God takes care of this and in the same way we must trust the process. This means that there are no formula's in life. This can be hard at times because this happens often in our non-spiritual life as we work hard and yield results. But, God doesn't work like this and we should not question outcomes.
The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come. This could eventually be talking abut suffering (puts in the sickle) or the point in a person's life that leads them close to death for the harvest has come points possible to the end or the culmination of a person's life where the fruit is seen. Often at deaths of Christians we have a celebration of life service that helps us to stop and take a moment and look at the fruit that has come from this person's life. We are to be faithful in our work but we are also to trust God for the outcome. God will decided when the crop permits for it is different for each person.
Promise: Preach the gospel faithfully and trust God for the harvest. This will yield lasting fruit.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the way in which you work. Thank you for not putting outcomes on me. Help me to not focus on results, but focus on the presentation and depend on you for the results and trust you as well. I need this reminder continually in my life that you are always working, always growing and I can trust you for this. Thank you Lord for the way in which you want me to be involved.
26 And He was saying, “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; 27 and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows—how, he himself does not know. 28 The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. 29 But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
Message: Slow and Steady Growth
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
Most of chapter 4 has been dealing with the good soil, the falling of the seed and the Word of God into people's lives -- people that are called by God and then their responsibility to that calling. The Parable of the Sower showed all different kinds of surfaces the seed falls on, but upon it falling on the good soil was the remark that it was accepted and the fruit produced a large crop. And then that good soil (His called ones) have a responsibility to let their light shine and to live according to their calling. After the seed falls, the soil has the task of yielding fruit. Thus, I am a vessel or an instrument of the Lord. And I have a great responsibility as His Child.
I see a lot of part-time believers of God in life. That is not my calling. I am not to only go to church weekly and then behave as I want during the week -- seeking entertainment of every sort, working my trade or my job, raising my family, maintaining my belongings, and buying more -- those are parts of everyone's life and showing partial devotion is not my calling. I am to be equipped and run to the glory of God in all of my activities. Am I really praying, confessing my sin in detail and then offering prayers for others? Am I serving the body of Christ, serving those in need? Is my fellowship with other Christians purposeful, for His glory? My life has been bought at a cost (the Cross) and I have a responsibility to live in a different manner than all of my peers.
This new parable begins with this phrase - The kingdom of God is like. As I recall, in verse 11, in response to the disciples and followers asking Jesus for the meaning of the parables he says - To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables, The disciples possess the kingdom of God. I really just stop to mention this subject of the kingdom of God and its importance. I admit, my understanding of these verses is still a work in process. I don't understand completely. But here in these verses, there is something similar here. Could these parables be more for the disciples and followers and less for the great multitude for it is talking specifically about the kingdom of God or rather the good soil? Yet, it is a parable and the parable is given earlier to those on the outside. So, not understand that completely yet.
Here is the parable: a man casts seed upon the soil and he goes to bed at night and gets up the next day and the seed sprouts and grows, yet he himself does not know how or why even as the growth has occurred while he was sleeping. This parable is given without explanation. Immediately Jesus, I believe, is calling to their attention that as he just told them that they need to be obedient to their calling to be good soil and multiply, the multiplication or fruit is something he does. We cannot force this to happen in people's lives.
It reminds me of a visitation I did one time with a leader in the church and we went to the house of woman that lived nearby that had visited the church. I was in my 20s and so the church leader led the discussion. He shared the gospel and then rather forcibly led her to a decision. He persisted and pushed and pushed her until she sort of made a decision and then he walked out of there in celebration of what God had done. I saw the reverse. I didn't see that this was led by the Spirit, but maybe he saw something I didn't. For this message, I see Jesus saying that we are to water and we can give the plants food and care for it, but ultimate God will take charge of the growing.
Each person grows to a certain height, but no parent can determine how tall a person will be. God takes care of this and in the same way we must trust the process. This means that there are no formula's in life. This can be hard at times because this happens often in our non-spiritual life as we work hard and yield results. But, God doesn't work like this and we should not question outcomes.
The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come. This could eventually be talking abut suffering (puts in the sickle) or the point in a person's life that leads them close to death for the harvest has come points possible to the end or the culmination of a person's life where the fruit is seen. Often at deaths of Christians we have a celebration of life service that helps us to stop and take a moment and look at the fruit that has come from this person's life. We are to be faithful in our work but we are also to trust God for the outcome. God will decided when the crop permits for it is different for each person.
Promise: Preach the gospel faithfully and trust God for the harvest. This will yield lasting fruit.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the way in which you work. Thank you for not putting outcomes on me. Help me to not focus on results, but focus on the presentation and depend on you for the results and trust you as well. I need this reminder continually in my life that you are always working, always growing and I can trust you for this. Thank you Lord for the way in which you want me to be involved.
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Mark 4:24-25 - More To Those Who Have
Mark 4:24-25
24 And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. 25 For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”
Message: More To Those Who Have
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
I have noticed in the reading of Mark that the discipline or activity of 'hearing' is being mentioned often. In this chapter of the parable of the sower, each surface heard, but only one accepted. In order to accept, one must hear. In verse 24 is the admonition to take care what you listen to. It is important to be concerned about what we hear. The tongue is a sword as Paul and James and the Psalter mention often. It has a way of speaking that can be encouraging as well as encouraging so I need to be careful what I listen to. That can be hard. In my work place, this is tough as I am often privy in various settings to unwholesome talk or talk that is not edifying. As is mentioned by Jesus what is important is "ears to hear." I think this is his way of emphasizing that our ears are perked up and we are listening in order to make a response.
In regards to hearing the response obviously it was is of most importance. The good soil heard and accepted the seed and in return it multiplied the fruit. How often do I sit in church or listen to a message and walk away unchanged. Over the years, I think adding a prayer and promise to each of these writings is my way to conclude and in the prayer it is sometimes a call to action. I don't want to simply invest in education as I read God's Word, but I want to be in training constantly for application.
The phrase that Jesus uses is By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. In this country in which I live the access to God's word is so easy and so accessible. Thus, my sense is I have a greater accountability to its reading and application in my life because of how accessible it is versus a person living in a country that does not even have the Word of God written in their own language or maybe a Christian that is new to the faith. The longer I am a Christian, the more I will be measured on my faithfulness.
I think of this often. I think of the first 1000 years of the time after Christ (AD) and how many did not have access to the Bible as it was only read in church and thus application was somewhat basic and primitive, but as technology has increased people have greater responsibility for its use. Thus, it will be measured to you based upon your standard of measure. I think this is what the passage is referencing.
But I think it also speaks of how willing we are to submit to his Word. For whoever has, to him more shall be given. We acquire more by the way in which we listen. I've noticed that over the years my sinfulness is more apparent. Some think I am faithful but I can only often see how unholy I am before God. We often read a prayer in church on Sunday mornings as a confession. I appreciate that because it reminds me that I am a sinner. So, I have greater responsibility to God's word now and I should have understanding to those that receive it in a different manner. Many people are at different stages in their walk and I must remember to be sensitive to this.
But if we don't respond then He may not continue to bless us: and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. This is a sobering truth. When we are in a life behavior of not responding then how can we conversely expect the Lord to continue to lavish us with gifts.
Promise: From TableTalk: God blesses us with the light of the revelation of His kingdom not so that we can be indifferent to it but so that we will respond to it in faith. However, He will not offer the kingdom to us forever. If we do not trust and follow Him today, we may not get the chance to do so tomorrow. Our goal should be immediate trust and obedience, but as only God can grant that, so let us pray for His Spirit to give us that gift.
Prayer: Lord, I am responsible. You have shown me, for your truth and your message to me. You give me the strength each day to live and live to the best of Your ability. Lord, forgive me for often taking a different road, but I want to live for you always and hear you say, "Well done." Help me to be sensitive to those around me and be the man of God you have called me to be. You are great. Thank you for giving me Your Spirit to live in me and lead and equip me to be great as well.
24 And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. 25 For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”
Message: More To Those Who Have
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
I have noticed in the reading of Mark that the discipline or activity of 'hearing' is being mentioned often. In this chapter of the parable of the sower, each surface heard, but only one accepted. In order to accept, one must hear. In verse 24 is the admonition to take care what you listen to. It is important to be concerned about what we hear. The tongue is a sword as Paul and James and the Psalter mention often. It has a way of speaking that can be encouraging as well as encouraging so I need to be careful what I listen to. That can be hard. In my work place, this is tough as I am often privy in various settings to unwholesome talk or talk that is not edifying. As is mentioned by Jesus what is important is "ears to hear." I think this is his way of emphasizing that our ears are perked up and we are listening in order to make a response.
In regards to hearing the response obviously it was is of most importance. The good soil heard and accepted the seed and in return it multiplied the fruit. How often do I sit in church or listen to a message and walk away unchanged. Over the years, I think adding a prayer and promise to each of these writings is my way to conclude and in the prayer it is sometimes a call to action. I don't want to simply invest in education as I read God's Word, but I want to be in training constantly for application.
The phrase that Jesus uses is By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. In this country in which I live the access to God's word is so easy and so accessible. Thus, my sense is I have a greater accountability to its reading and application in my life because of how accessible it is versus a person living in a country that does not even have the Word of God written in their own language or maybe a Christian that is new to the faith. The longer I am a Christian, the more I will be measured on my faithfulness.
I think of this often. I think of the first 1000 years of the time after Christ (AD) and how many did not have access to the Bible as it was only read in church and thus application was somewhat basic and primitive, but as technology has increased people have greater responsibility for its use. Thus, it will be measured to you based upon your standard of measure. I think this is what the passage is referencing.
But I think it also speaks of how willing we are to submit to his Word. For whoever has, to him more shall be given. We acquire more by the way in which we listen. I've noticed that over the years my sinfulness is more apparent. Some think I am faithful but I can only often see how unholy I am before God. We often read a prayer in church on Sunday mornings as a confession. I appreciate that because it reminds me that I am a sinner. So, I have greater responsibility to God's word now and I should have understanding to those that receive it in a different manner. Many people are at different stages in their walk and I must remember to be sensitive to this.
But if we don't respond then He may not continue to bless us: and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. This is a sobering truth. When we are in a life behavior of not responding then how can we conversely expect the Lord to continue to lavish us with gifts.
Promise: From TableTalk: God blesses us with the light of the revelation of His kingdom not so that we can be indifferent to it but so that we will respond to it in faith. However, He will not offer the kingdom to us forever. If we do not trust and follow Him today, we may not get the chance to do so tomorrow. Our goal should be immediate trust and obedience, but as only God can grant that, so let us pray for His Spirit to give us that gift.
Prayer: Lord, I am responsible. You have shown me, for your truth and your message to me. You give me the strength each day to live and live to the best of Your ability. Lord, forgive me for often taking a different road, but I want to live for you always and hear you say, "Well done." Help me to be sensitive to those around me and be the man of God you have called me to be. You are great. Thank you for giving me Your Spirit to live in me and lead and equip me to be great as well.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Mark 4:21-23 - Secrets Made Manifest
Mark 4:21-23
21 And He was saying to them, “A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? 22 For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Message: Secrets Made Manifest
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
Following the explanation of the parable of the sower, Mark provides words from Jesus that emphasize the seed (the Word) that the sower drops. He calls to mention the Lamp and in Psalm 119:105 it says Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet. Jesus here remarks on the purpose of the lamp - Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? It's purpose is to light our way. It is placed in our life and meant to light our way throughout each day. The sun provides us light during the day, the lamp during the night, thus we have a light with us all day. A lamp is brought to us. The Word of God has been carried to us, passed on through generations and has a valuable place in our lives.
As Jesus did in the parable of the sower, he presents the sower, but doesn't name the sower. And here in these verses he also doesn't name any person specifically but instead makes a general statement and then concludes with if anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. That last statement seems to mean that this is a statement that is meant for all people. It doesn't just explain Jesus' mission on earth.
This is second time he mentions the phrase he who has ears, let him hear. As I remarked previously, some peoples ears are there to respond, to defend, to correct, but here Jesus says specifically some ears are there to hear.
Verse 22 is a verse that has been dissected over the years and taking a very full meaning. It says For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. I believe I have heard different religions teach that this means we are to understand every tit and tattle, every word of our Bible and they have worked to do this. But Solomon said that everything is appropriate in its own time and I think there are times and seasons for the understanding of God's word. As Jesus speaks of the lamp shining our way I think this verse speaks to the fact that God's word has application to every area of our life. We often will say, "The Bible doesn't speak on that subject" and yet I think that is wrong. Everything has something that will come to light through the reading of the Word. The Word can be trusted.
And also the Word of God is not meant for just a few, but for all. It is not to be a secret book for certain people, but application for all of our lives. I think there is a reason the 10 commandments were put up before our courts at the beginning of our country - because they realized that even with the separation of Church and State, the Word of God, it's commandments have application to every human person. The breakdown of society is intensified as those commandments are ignored.
We can also be thankful for the way in which the Word of God has been translated throughout our globe, often by Wycliffe Bible Translators, into so many different languages, because it is to be revealed to all people. It is not a secret to certain groups. But the rich help the poor and give them greater understanding. How exciting to see that the Word of God continues to have an impact on people's lives.
21 And He was saying to them, “A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? 22 For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Message: Secrets Made Manifest
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
Following the explanation of the parable of the sower, Mark provides words from Jesus that emphasize the seed (the Word) that the sower drops. He calls to mention the Lamp and in Psalm 119:105 it says Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet. Jesus here remarks on the purpose of the lamp - Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? It's purpose is to light our way. It is placed in our life and meant to light our way throughout each day. The sun provides us light during the day, the lamp during the night, thus we have a light with us all day. A lamp is brought to us. The Word of God has been carried to us, passed on through generations and has a valuable place in our lives.
As Jesus did in the parable of the sower, he presents the sower, but doesn't name the sower. And here in these verses he also doesn't name any person specifically but instead makes a general statement and then concludes with if anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. That last statement seems to mean that this is a statement that is meant for all people. It doesn't just explain Jesus' mission on earth.
This is second time he mentions the phrase he who has ears, let him hear. As I remarked previously, some peoples ears are there to respond, to defend, to correct, but here Jesus says specifically some ears are there to hear.
Verse 22 is a verse that has been dissected over the years and taking a very full meaning. It says For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. I believe I have heard different religions teach that this means we are to understand every tit and tattle, every word of our Bible and they have worked to do this. But Solomon said that everything is appropriate in its own time and I think there are times and seasons for the understanding of God's word. As Jesus speaks of the lamp shining our way I think this verse speaks to the fact that God's word has application to every area of our life. We often will say, "The Bible doesn't speak on that subject" and yet I think that is wrong. Everything has something that will come to light through the reading of the Word. The Word can be trusted.
And also the Word of God is not meant for just a few, but for all. It is not to be a secret book for certain people, but application for all of our lives. I think there is a reason the 10 commandments were put up before our courts at the beginning of our country - because they realized that even with the separation of Church and State, the Word of God, it's commandments have application to every human person. The breakdown of society is intensified as those commandments are ignored.
We can also be thankful for the way in which the Word of God has been translated throughout our globe, often by Wycliffe Bible Translators, into so many different languages, because it is to be revealed to all people. It is not a secret to certain groups. But the rich help the poor and give them greater understanding. How exciting to see that the Word of God continues to have an impact on people's lives.
11.16.2022 - I also see another application possibly for this verse. As we are sharing truth, the gospel with people, people that have ears to hear will hear. This message will result in people following it. We don't need to be concerned that it won't. But we also have a responsibility to study and understand it.
Promise: Jesus is the lamp that has entered the world in order to preach the gospel and provide illumination to the people - everywhere.
Prayer: Lord, help me to never think that I never graduate from the reading of Your Word. There is always something new to behold. Thank you for the way in which your Holy Spirit speaks through the Word and provides Christian authors insight concerning it. I want to always be a tutor of Your Word.
Promise: Jesus is the lamp that has entered the world in order to preach the gospel and provide illumination to the people - everywhere.
Prayer: Lord, help me to never think that I never graduate from the reading of Your Word. There is always something new to behold. Thank you for the way in which your Holy Spirit speaks through the Word and provides Christian authors insight concerning it. I want to always be a tutor of Your Word.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Mark 4:18-20 - The Thorns and the Harvest
Mark 4:18-20
18 And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, 19 but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”
Message: The Thorns and the Harvest
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
Now I look at the next 2 surfaces:
3. Among the thorns
these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
4. The Good Soil
they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.
3. The second surface received a temporary message and then when hard times came, the message faded from their lives. Here, the distraction is in the form of the worries and pressures of the world. In addition, there is the quest for riches above all and the overall desire for other things to the point that it is unfruitful.
I remember a friend making a comment once that he went to church, followed the Lord, but good things didn't happen to him. He didn't get the Christian wife, he didn't get the good job, religion didn't merit the results he had in mind. And he sort of punted the faith. We live in such a world of comparison where our eyes are constantly viewing what our friends have, our other family members, and we often get distracted. I get distracted. I have been provided everything I need and yet, all too often, I act like it isn't enough. Because others have something I think I must have it. Money isn't the key to happiness, but it sure is nice to have plenty of it. There is that deceitfulness of having lots, of riches. Do my desires for other things prevent me sometimes from seeking God and His word and telling others about him? Do I ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit because I am more concerned about other things?
The temptations of the world are compelling. They are most attractive. I am often thinking of my correspondence with James Lumbuku in Tororo Uganda. His life is about survival, working hard, and ministry. They have a simple goal often and that is to not go hungry and yet they often have long periods of starvation (months). They live in a hot climate and yet they are farmers, again, for the purpose of survival. I just checked and on this January 14, 2018 day it is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. There crops are basic - corn, potatoes. Perhaps these two items can somewhat make it in the heat. He has real struggles and yet he is so focused on ministry. He is a pastor, a shepherd of his flock, so that would make sense. As I listen to his stories, I am at times compelled to give him money. He desires to get his children through school. One of his children is a Compassion funded child. While they struggle for survival, they are rich in love and mercy toward one another and the temptations of the world don't even seem plausible.
4. They hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold. Something different has happened now - these hear the word and accept it. The turning point is acceptance. They receive it into their lives and make it a part of themselves. By accepting it, something happens, they bear fruit. It is automatic, it happens. If the plant is watered appropriately and receives the nourishment it needs, there is no more effort, but waiting to see the fruit. This last surface is rather simple, actually.
Promise: The result from the word landing on good soil and being received is a harvest. None of us can anticipate the size of the harvest that will be produced, but a harvest will come. We may not even see the result in our lifetime. But, fruit is inevitable. It will come.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the clarity of your message. Thank you for calling people to yourself. It is thrilling to see the harvest take place and the way it does multiply. Continue to change hearts and uproot soil so that many more can come to accept your truths.
18 And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, 19 but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”
Message: The Thorns and the Harvest
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
Now I look at the next 2 surfaces:
3. Among the thorns
these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
4. The Good Soil
they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.
3. The second surface received a temporary message and then when hard times came, the message faded from their lives. Here, the distraction is in the form of the worries and pressures of the world. In addition, there is the quest for riches above all and the overall desire for other things to the point that it is unfruitful.
I remember a friend making a comment once that he went to church, followed the Lord, but good things didn't happen to him. He didn't get the Christian wife, he didn't get the good job, religion didn't merit the results he had in mind. And he sort of punted the faith. We live in such a world of comparison where our eyes are constantly viewing what our friends have, our other family members, and we often get distracted. I get distracted. I have been provided everything I need and yet, all too often, I act like it isn't enough. Because others have something I think I must have it. Money isn't the key to happiness, but it sure is nice to have plenty of it. There is that deceitfulness of having lots, of riches. Do my desires for other things prevent me sometimes from seeking God and His word and telling others about him? Do I ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit because I am more concerned about other things?
The temptations of the world are compelling. They are most attractive. I am often thinking of my correspondence with James Lumbuku in Tororo Uganda. His life is about survival, working hard, and ministry. They have a simple goal often and that is to not go hungry and yet they often have long periods of starvation (months). They live in a hot climate and yet they are farmers, again, for the purpose of survival. I just checked and on this January 14, 2018 day it is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. There crops are basic - corn, potatoes. Perhaps these two items can somewhat make it in the heat. He has real struggles and yet he is so focused on ministry. He is a pastor, a shepherd of his flock, so that would make sense. As I listen to his stories, I am at times compelled to give him money. He desires to get his children through school. One of his children is a Compassion funded child. While they struggle for survival, they are rich in love and mercy toward one another and the temptations of the world don't even seem plausible.
4. They hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold. Something different has happened now - these hear the word and accept it. The turning point is acceptance. They receive it into their lives and make it a part of themselves. By accepting it, something happens, they bear fruit. It is automatic, it happens. If the plant is watered appropriately and receives the nourishment it needs, there is no more effort, but waiting to see the fruit. This last surface is rather simple, actually.
Promise: The result from the word landing on good soil and being received is a harvest. None of us can anticipate the size of the harvest that will be produced, but a harvest will come. We may not even see the result in our lifetime. But, fruit is inevitable. It will come.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the clarity of your message. Thank you for calling people to yourself. It is thrilling to see the harvest take place and the way it does multiply. Continue to change hearts and uproot soil so that many more can come to accept your truths.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Mark 4:13-17 - The Path and Rocky Soil
Mark 4:13-17
13 And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. 16 In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; 17 and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.
Message: The Path and Rocky Soil
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
This chapter is interesting. I already see a consistent message in this parable of the sower and that is that God chooses and calls people to himself. There seem to be more that do not respond than respond. In the parable there are 4 surfaces, but only 1 with good soil. The other 3 are beside the road, on rocky ground, among thorns.
It reminds me of the ministry of apologetic's that has grown very strong over the last several years. It is a ministry I think that has always been present, but perhaps more well defined today. However, at times I have struggled to understand its purpose. I say that because as I now study these 4 surfaces in which the seed (the gospel) is being dropped, while there are characteristics of these surfaces I have often thought that apologetic's is helping to change 3 of those services to the fourth, the good soil. And based upon my experience, that process is not easy. It requires a lot of work. It seems similar to my desire to change the grass in my backyard that is Bermuda to Fescue grass. That is a process that will not come easily. I will have to uproot all of it, not just the grass, but the soil and roots underneath what I see. Thus, as I talk to people and use apologetic's, I notice a similar process. It is difficult and uprooting something or someone that already thinks they are healthy and growing is a difficult process. Convincing them that the Fescue grass seed is better is not easy. In fact, I can't convince them, but instead it takes an agent outside (of both types of grasses) of both persons to intercede. That agent is God. God changes hearts, not man.
I am reminded of a book I was reading called Christ-Centered Apologetics by Joel Furches in which he states that the chief audience for apologetic's is not the multitude, but rather the followers. Apologetic's can and should be studied, for the purpose of confirming God's truth to His followers. Yes, it can be part of our toolbox when talking to people that we consult, but that is not its chief aim in studying.
Picking up this passage, verse 13 says And He said to them. I believe 'them' is the same as His followers in verse 10. He is addressing His followers. This is a message to them first for they have been given the mystery (v. 11). Then He says - Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? This is interesting. Jesus is saying that understanding this parable is key to understanding all the parables he will offer. And he says Verse 14 - the sower sows the word so immediately we know that the seed is the Word of God. It is his message to all.
Today's passage looks at 2 surfaces:
1. The path beside the road
These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.
2. The rocky soil
These are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.
As I read this, I am immediately thankful that Jesus is telling us about all of the different sources and he is telling us what happens to the seed, the word, when it falls on those surfaces. We are called to preach and the reality is different soils we receive the message differently. I don't know why, but that message is startling to me, somehow in a new way. Almost, as if God does not want us to ever get discouraged because he wants us to understand that outcomes are never our responsibility. Obviously, it is normal for me to take training classes and improve on my delivery because I want to do my role as a speaker in the best way that I know. However, this preparation and training is not so that more will be saved. As my boss at the City said a number of years ago in describing the work that we do, "Focus on the presentation, not the result."
1. It is interesting the audience and the description of those beside the road. It resonates for I see these people often. The word is sown. The word is preached. They hear, but they immediately are taken away some place else. And they are lured away by Satan. The word was trying to take root in them for that is what the Word does, it takes root in us. That is its purpose, but they have been distracted. Who knows how long they are lured away. This doesn't appear to be a permanent luring away, but rather momentary is possible. The word will be sown again to them and perhaps at another time they won't be lured away.
2. For the seed that is sown on rocky places, these individuals receive it with joy. They like it. They could even make a decision for Christ. I think of Christian concerts when I was younger and the altar calls or revival services or crusades. Many received the message with joy, but often it was temporary. Something else that is interesting is Jesus says when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away. Affliction and persecution arises because of the Word, because of the Gospel, because of the message. The gospel is not all about providing us good times and no problems. Rather, affliction and persecution are a necessary part of our growth. Yet, we are conditioned to think that affliction and persecution are contrary to God working in our life and what God wants of us. The problem here is not the affliction and persecution, but that when it hits, the person falls away. The person rejects the seed, the Word. The person no longer believes the message. What an amazing truth for our lives, for this time, when the world is telling us only "Let the good times roll."
Promise: True conversion is proven over time as people stand for Christ even under much suffering.
Prayer: Thank you again Jesus for saving me. Thank you Holy Spirit for speaking to me and calling me to be yours now and forever. Help me to be sensitive to people, continue to preach the word, even when it seems they are on shaky ground. You can change hearts at any time. Thank you for taking the time to explain these truths and giving me complete understanding so that I will not be discouraged.
13 And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. 16 In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; 17 and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.
Message: The Path and Rocky Soil
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
This chapter is interesting. I already see a consistent message in this parable of the sower and that is that God chooses and calls people to himself. There seem to be more that do not respond than respond. In the parable there are 4 surfaces, but only 1 with good soil. The other 3 are beside the road, on rocky ground, among thorns.
It reminds me of the ministry of apologetic's that has grown very strong over the last several years. It is a ministry I think that has always been present, but perhaps more well defined today. However, at times I have struggled to understand its purpose. I say that because as I now study these 4 surfaces in which the seed (the gospel) is being dropped, while there are characteristics of these surfaces I have often thought that apologetic's is helping to change 3 of those services to the fourth, the good soil. And based upon my experience, that process is not easy. It requires a lot of work. It seems similar to my desire to change the grass in my backyard that is Bermuda to Fescue grass. That is a process that will not come easily. I will have to uproot all of it, not just the grass, but the soil and roots underneath what I see. Thus, as I talk to people and use apologetic's, I notice a similar process. It is difficult and uprooting something or someone that already thinks they are healthy and growing is a difficult process. Convincing them that the Fescue grass seed is better is not easy. In fact, I can't convince them, but instead it takes an agent outside (of both types of grasses) of both persons to intercede. That agent is God. God changes hearts, not man.
I am reminded of a book I was reading called Christ-Centered Apologetics by Joel Furches in which he states that the chief audience for apologetic's is not the multitude, but rather the followers. Apologetic's can and should be studied, for the purpose of confirming God's truth to His followers. Yes, it can be part of our toolbox when talking to people that we consult, but that is not its chief aim in studying.
Picking up this passage, verse 13 says And He said to them. I believe 'them' is the same as His followers in verse 10. He is addressing His followers. This is a message to them first for they have been given the mystery (v. 11). Then He says - Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? This is interesting. Jesus is saying that understanding this parable is key to understanding all the parables he will offer. And he says Verse 14 - the sower sows the word so immediately we know that the seed is the Word of God. It is his message to all.
Today's passage looks at 2 surfaces:
1. The path beside the road
These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.
2. The rocky soil
These are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.
As I read this, I am immediately thankful that Jesus is telling us about all of the different sources and he is telling us what happens to the seed, the word, when it falls on those surfaces. We are called to preach and the reality is different soils we receive the message differently. I don't know why, but that message is startling to me, somehow in a new way. Almost, as if God does not want us to ever get discouraged because he wants us to understand that outcomes are never our responsibility. Obviously, it is normal for me to take training classes and improve on my delivery because I want to do my role as a speaker in the best way that I know. However, this preparation and training is not so that more will be saved. As my boss at the City said a number of years ago in describing the work that we do, "Focus on the presentation, not the result."
1. It is interesting the audience and the description of those beside the road. It resonates for I see these people often. The word is sown. The word is preached. They hear, but they immediately are taken away some place else. And they are lured away by Satan. The word was trying to take root in them for that is what the Word does, it takes root in us. That is its purpose, but they have been distracted. Who knows how long they are lured away. This doesn't appear to be a permanent luring away, but rather momentary is possible. The word will be sown again to them and perhaps at another time they won't be lured away.
2. For the seed that is sown on rocky places, these individuals receive it with joy. They like it. They could even make a decision for Christ. I think of Christian concerts when I was younger and the altar calls or revival services or crusades. Many received the message with joy, but often it was temporary. Something else that is interesting is Jesus says when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away. Affliction and persecution arises because of the Word, because of the Gospel, because of the message. The gospel is not all about providing us good times and no problems. Rather, affliction and persecution are a necessary part of our growth. Yet, we are conditioned to think that affliction and persecution are contrary to God working in our life and what God wants of us. The problem here is not the affliction and persecution, but that when it hits, the person falls away. The person rejects the seed, the Word. The person no longer believes the message. What an amazing truth for our lives, for this time, when the world is telling us only "Let the good times roll."
Promise: True conversion is proven over time as people stand for Christ even under much suffering.
Prayer: Thank you again Jesus for saving me. Thank you Holy Spirit for speaking to me and calling me to be yours now and forever. Help me to be sensitive to people, continue to preach the word, even when it seems they are on shaky ground. You can change hearts at any time. Thank you for taking the time to explain these truths and giving me complete understanding so that I will not be discouraged.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)