Mark 4:9 “And He said to them, ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Dear God,
Once again it is a joy to greet You on this new day of life that has been granted to me. My taking in that it was a new day, came much sooner than I wanted, by having the tenure of the day confirmed by the laughter of kookaburra birds, while soft darkness enveloped us all. My heart stirred in grateful praise to You for their happy tones. Shortly thereafter, I felt pleasure as I heard the peeping of the little birds. I wonder why I love hearing them at the beginning of each day; when these very same birds come every year especially to put their beaks into my luscious ripening figs and any other fruit not covered with nets. Though I know You made us all, and it has always been the way for the birds to seek food where they can, for they too must eat; but I do wish it was at some other eating place in the bush.
Jesus, Your Son, spent much time teaching people about the kingdom of heaven and how to prepare to be one of the people chosen to be taken there. The teaching of Jesus in Mark 4: 3-8, is followed by an explanation to the disciples in Mark 4: 13-20. V 3 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow and it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it.” Birds again, staying alive by helping themselves to food when it was available. This time the birds represented Satan coming and snatching away the words of truth that You had placed before some people, prior to there being an opportunity for the words to sink in and make a lasting impression in the mind and heart. Other grain or gospel teaching had fallen on stony ground, for the seed (gospel teaching) had been sown widely and fallen on all the places (hearts) around. It sprouted with great prospect, but without the availability of nurturing soil, growth could not withstand adverse conditions and just withered away. We all have seen the stunted plant or Christian experience in such circumstances and noted that promising growth eventually dies.
I choose You again today Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and through the Holy Spirit plan to manifest well rooted healthy Christian growth.
Other seed fell amongst thorns and weeds that eventually choked the worthwhile growth. While I may not have been snatched away from Jesus at the beginning or even not stunted by adverse conditions; Jesus warns that Satan has not finished with me (us) yet. V 19 “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.” In my experience and observations, these influences can check spiritual growth, and are a real threat for us in these days of widespread busyness, increased standard of living realized and aspired for. Remind me (us) Lord when we are set on this way, and bring us back to a satisfaction in Your simple, spiritually productive way.
Thankfully it is possible to receive Your word and in my mind and actions provide conditions that nurture, V8 “ 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.” As wheat and sheep farmer’s daughter and home gardener, I have seen and experienced much joy, from a good yield of produce, which guarantees there will be more crops to sow with ongoing new growth, in following seasons.
Praises to heaven and beyond, for You God are occupied in assuring that as many souls as possible will be ripe and harvested, by Jesus when He comes to take His increase to heaven with Him.
‘Oh, I want to be there’!
Amen