SCRIPTURE
"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who received the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on the good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." (Luke 8:11-15)
OBSERVATION
In this parable Jesus describes various responses people have to hearing the word of God. There are many things in life that compete with hearing God speak through his word. Obviously the devil, God's enemy, does not want anyone to come to faith. But this parable also talks about other, more subtle competitions to spiritual growth. Things that compete against people who know God and have had exposure to his word. Testing and life's worries can be a hindrance to growth. Riches and pleasures, can also choke out a person's faith.
APPLICATION
I was reminded reading this parable that there are a lot of things that can distract me from growing spiritually. Depending on the day, it can be different things at different times. At times I can be the rocks. I hear or read something exciting in God's word and think, "Yes, I'm going to do this." When testing, either life's trials or temptation comes, the thing I was so excited about doing no longer has its appeal. I end up not changing. It was a flash-in-the-pan moment. Other times I can be the thorns. I hear God's word and the stuff of life has a way of creeping in. Monday morning always follows Sunday. God is no longer a priority. He's been choked out by the demands of living. However, in order to grow my heart has to be dirt. The fertile place where God's word can grow. Jesus said it's about the condition of my heart...noble and good. It's also about how I respond to God's word. I have a part in this spiritual process. I not only need to hear it, but retain it by making it a part of my life through obedience. Then when life tends to come between me and God I need to hang in there, persevere so a crop will be produced. Whew...who said it was going to be easy?
PRAYER
Lord, there are a lot of things than can come between myself and you. Today, I want to be the soil that produces a crop.
