"Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants." Matthew 13:7
"What was sown among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of his life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful." Matthew 13:22
Today is the fourth of a 5 part series on the "Parable of the Sower." In this Parable there are 4 different ways to receive the gospel or 4 different sorts of people who come in contact with the gospel. Above you will notice that the first verse is the description and then in verse 22 we have the explanation.
The seed is always the same - the gospel is the seed - the saving grace and mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. The soil types are different. I was going to say that we are the soil but I think that the environment that we are in is the soil. I believe that we are all part of the plant that grows from that seed......maybe a branch, or a flower, or a leaf. Together we are all part of that plant which is the family of God.
I'm sure that we have all been pricked by a thorn at some point in our life. I was trying to think of the most "thorny" plant that I have seen or grown; for sure the rose comes to mind but I think that the thistle wins this contest. A thistle (and a thorn in general) is impressive, sharp, prickly and can't be ignored. If the thistle is not dealt with properly it will take over your garden and you will not be able to grow any other plant.
This is also what can happen with fame & fortune - both are impressive and can't be ignored. Wealth and popularity can change our focus on Jesus to the world - fame & fortune chokes our Christian walk. This worldly pressure squeezes out our faith and someday you will turn around and find yourself in a field of thistles where no vegetable or fruit can live. The thistle is tall, striking and influential but it produces no fruit.
I see it all the time in modern society - the wealthiest and most popular figures are not satisfied and end up in ruin. If you keep your focus on Jesus you can grow into a fruitful tree - even among the thorns.
"What was sown among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of his life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful." Matthew 13:22
Today is the fourth of a 5 part series on the "Parable of the Sower." In this Parable there are 4 different ways to receive the gospel or 4 different sorts of people who come in contact with the gospel. Above you will notice that the first verse is the description and then in verse 22 we have the explanation.
The seed is always the same - the gospel is the seed - the saving grace and mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. The soil types are different. I was going to say that we are the soil but I think that the environment that we are in is the soil. I believe that we are all part of the plant that grows from that seed......maybe a branch, or a flower, or a leaf. Together we are all part of that plant which is the family of God.
I'm sure that we have all been pricked by a thorn at some point in our life. I was trying to think of the most "thorny" plant that I have seen or grown; for sure the rose comes to mind but I think that the thistle wins this contest. A thistle (and a thorn in general) is impressive, sharp, prickly and can't be ignored. If the thistle is not dealt with properly it will take over your garden and you will not be able to grow any other plant.
This is also what can happen with fame & fortune - both are impressive and can't be ignored. Wealth and popularity can change our focus on Jesus to the world - fame & fortune chokes our Christian walk. This worldly pressure squeezes out our faith and someday you will turn around and find yourself in a field of thistles where no vegetable or fruit can live. The thistle is tall, striking and influential but it produces no fruit.
I see it all the time in modern society - the wealthiest and most popular figures are not satisfied and end up in ruin. If you keep your focus on Jesus you can grow into a fruitful tree - even among the thorns.
If you find yourself in a field of thistles - look up and keep your focus on your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Parable of the Sower
I am so glad I found you through the May 20 Networking Blog Hop. You're writing about one of my favorite parables. I'll definitely be a new follower! For some reason, WordPress put me 341.Janet instead of my url. Maybe it's too long, lol. And I couldn't fit a faith themed word, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I'm following you back through "Linky Followers". I tried to leave a comment on your blog but WordPress was acting up & wouldn't let me. Glad you stopped by!
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