Post #6: What Will You Do With What You Have Learned?

Jesus tells a story about a farmer who when out to sow seed (recorded in Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8). Take a minute to read it, along with Jesus' explanation to His disciples.  

In summary, some of the seed he scattered fell on a path, some on the rocks, some among thorns, and some seed feel on good soil. As you can logically imagine, the seed on the path didn’t fair too well, and didn’t take. The seed among the rocks grew and quickly withered. The seed that grew up with the thorns was choked out and didn’t make it either. The seed that feel in good soil had deep roots and grew strong, producing much fruit. Jesus later explained this as an example of what happens to those who hear the Word of God. Some have the word taken from their hearts quickly by the enemy. Some hear the word and believe, but do not have a firm foundation or deep roots. So, when tough times come, they fall away. Some grow up among the thorns of this world, and are choked out by anxieties, pleasures, and temptations. Finally, others hold on to it tightly and grow up to bear much fruit. 

I have read this parable a thousand times, and yet don’t feel like I fully understand it. But Jesus did say we are to have faith like a child. To me this means it must be simple, yes, but more importantly robust and sincere, and unwavering. If I don’t try to over-analyze this parable, here’s what I can get:
Have you heard from God? Do you believe in God and His Son Jesus? If so, it is because He has called you to Himself. He is seeking you out. Thank God! And if this is true in your heart, you now represent one of four possible ways this can go. (And this isn’t any one-time thing either…we will always be tempted away by the cares, anxieties, pleasures, and evil in the world.) Be on guard! Guard your heart, and the Word of God in your life, and the work that God is doing and wants to do in you. 

Will you allow the devil to tempt and persuade you, and steal this from you?
Will you allow the tough times that will come to overwhelm your believe in God’s goodness?
Will you allow the riches, temptations, and pleasures of the world to be your god instead of what He has for you?
Or. 

Will you continually move closer to Jesus. Will you hold tightly to His truth. Will you grow up strong, deeply rooted in God’s Word and in His love? And in turn, bear much fruit for God? I pray we will all remain close to our Heavenly Father through all the rocky, thorny, and windy times. 

I remember walking along the Oregon coast with my daughter when she was young. There was so much beauty and amazing, unique things to explore. It seemed that at one moment we were running along the beach chasing and running from the waves. Then we were jumping over stones, carefully navigating around sharp rocks and tide pools. Next, walking through caves imagining the life under water when the tide was in. I’m sure many of you have been there too. What I remember about my daughter is that there were always these moments when she would turn to me, with outstretched hand, and say, “daddy…!” She was signifying a moment that was just scary enough (a jump over a big rock, or a particularly dark portion of a cave), where she wanted me to hold her hand. But it was usually only a moment, then she was off again exploring. But never too far off. Never far enough where at a moment’s notice, she couldn’t stop and say to herself, “this is a little outside of my comfort zone, I think I want to hold daddy’s hand through this one.” 

Walk close to Jesus. When the evil, the temptation, the troubles come - and they will come - turn to Him. Let His words be your foundation. Jesus said that He is the vine, and we are the branches. Apart from the vine the branch can do nothing but whither and die. Remain deeply rooted in Him and His love. Love God, love others. Bear much fruit. Only possible if we are directly and intimately connected to Him.

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