Matthew 13:18-23 (Msg.)
As I read today’s scripture I ask myself, “What kind of seed am I?” And if I'm honest, I can see myself in each seed at sometime in my life. How about you?
“Study this story of the farmer planting seed. When anyone hears news of the kingdom and doesn’t take it in, it just remains on the surface, and so the Evil One comes along and plucks it right out of that person’s heart. This is the seed the farmer scatters on the road.
Do you know folks like this? They can be highly moral, nice, friendly, generous neighbors. They may attend church; perhaps they sit in Asbury pews—but they have no personal relationship with Jesus. They either don’t recognize the need or they don’t care. They buy into the self-centered life style that is so prevalent today.
“The seed cast in the gravel—this is the person who hears and instantly responds with enthusiasm. But there is no soil of character, and so when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it.
These folks would be modern day Pharisees. They believe in God, attend church, try to follow the Ten Commandments. However, Christianity becomes religious ritual, a set of rules, a code to live by. Perhaps they are like those referenced in Galatians 4:19 who Pastor Paul says “need to grow up—to have Christ form in them.” Instead of knowing Jesus they have a legalistic, toxic faith.
“The seed cast in the weeds is the person who hears the kingdom news, but weeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it.
Unfortunately I think these are the folks we most often see today. People who want to know Jesus but just can’t get beyond the day to day grind that never leaves time for Spiritual Disciplines. (Oh, that hits home!) The “got to keep up with the Jones’s” mentality prevents contentment and joy. How sad it is for these who struggle because they don’t understand what is really important.
“The seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in the News, and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.”
Finally we consider those who accept the good news and cultivate a relationship with Jesus. You know them; people who shower God’s love on you. Those who extend grace and share their faith with others. Surely you remember the family member or teacher or friend who led you to Christ. Yes, they are the ones who bring in the harvest. What joy to be one of them!
Whatever seed you identify with—now is the time to seek the good earth, accept the good news, walk close to Jesus, and share Him with others. I trust that the New Testament Challenge is a vehicle to help many of us accomplish just that!
Jesus, help us know you better and help us grow up in your likeness so that we can help to produce a harvest beyond our wildest dreams. Amen.
Linda
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