Jesus’ parable of the sower teaches us some important lessons about being receptive to the voice of God in our lives. In part one of this two-part lesson, we looked at the “seeds” in the parable that fell along the path. They could not take root because the ground was trampled and hard, so birds came and carried the seeds away. This was the picture of the mind closed to the voice of God.
This last Sunday, we continued to look at the various scenarios that Jesus set forth as attitudes necessary to hear God speak. He next told of seeds that fell on rock where only shallow soil covered it. This is the portrait of a superficial mind– the mind that responds the the Spirit in a shallow, superficial way– perhaps merely out of emotion.
The seeds that fell among thorns, or weeds, represent the preoccupied mind– where the things of the Spirit are choked out by the busyness of life in what I would call “the tyranny of the urgent.” The preoccupied mind is so filled with activity that it never has down time, alone time with God. Jesus mentioned three “weeds” of distraction– worries, riches, and pleasures– all of which still cause our greatest distractions in this life.
The seed that fell on good soil represents the proper setting for hearing God speak. This is the productive mind, which, as James writes, does not merely hear the Word, but does what it says. (James 1:22) The question is, which kind of soil are you planting your seed in? It’s your turn! Would you offer some personal experiences in response to this teaching?
May 12, 2009 at 7:54 am |
Paul,
What great instruction Jesus gave us in the sower parable . In relation to my life failures I re-discovered that I do not have to be a victim of Satan. I can take GOD’S word,apply it to my life and grow,prosper and bear fruit . I have swayed at times from the word and choked my life up with worry,riches and pleasures . GOD persuaded me through my failures to get back on track with him . Only GOD can forever sustain and satisfy me. He is the only defense I have .