Mark chapter 4 tells the parable of the sower and the seed which represents the Word of God. This correlation is good in helping us understand why so many people seem to receive the Word of God one day but not show fruit. There are 4 ways mentioned in how seeds are sown. As you read on, I encourage you to not only think about how the word has been sown in your life, but in your loved ones lives as well:
- 1. By the wayside: “And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it.” (Vs .4)
“And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.” (Vs. 15)
I imagine these people were never ready to accept the Lord. They were open to hearing about Him, but not ready to depart from their sin.
- 2. On stony ground: “Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away.” (Vs.5-6)
“These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble.” (Vs. 16-17)
I see these people in the church too often. They seem to be the ones who are there for the “dessert” and not the “meat”. They want to receive the goodness of God, but aren’t completely ready or willing to turn their lives over to the Lord. When it’s time to step out in faith, they seem to find themselves giving up and reverting to their own ways.
- 3. Among the thorns: “And some seed fell among thorns; and it yielded no crop.” (Vs. 7)
“Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (Vs. 18-19)
When I think of these kinds of people, I think of those who may want the Lord, but are so caught up in their own life and their own ways that God gets pushed to the side. How can people who do this really grow? These are also people who may have issues from their past and are so used to holding onto their pain, they don’t understand quite how to turn it over to God.
- 4. On good ground: “But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced; some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Vs. 8)
“But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirytfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Vs. 20)
Of course this is how I hope all of us as Christians are. We’re the ones who desire to receive the Lord into our lives and follow His ways. We want to be watered by the word of God and be fruitful for Him because we understand that He loves us and is good to us.
So, in thinking about these four examples, where do you see yourself? Are you ready to accept what the Lord has for your life? Do you find yourself running from God during times of trouble rather than to Him? Do you burden yourself with the cares of this world rather than turning them over to the Lord? Or, are you open to receiving the blessing the Lord wants for your life as you sincerely submit your heart to Him?
Scripture references are quoted from the NKJV.