The seed is the word (5)
Read Mark 4:1-14;
By speaking in parables, Jesus is doing what he was saying and that’s the love of God. He’s scattering the seed.
Mark 1:15
15) And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
Jesus explains that the sower sows the word. We should know that when the word of God is taught, the devil will come for it. This shows that what you do during Christian meetings and after is very important.
There are two responses to God’s word — the positive and the negative response. And only those who respond positively get blessed.
See the second type of soil:
Mark 4:16-17
16) And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17) And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
This soil receives the word with gladness, but the moment offence or persecutions come for the word sake, he’s unable to endure. The word has not taken root in him, no depth.
Also, the third type of soil:
Mark 4:18-19
18) And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
19) And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
The thorny grounds: these ones love the word, but the cares of the world set in and choke the word. Thus, we must be careful what we allow to influence the word of God in our hearts. Money or the lack of it must not influence how you receive God’s word. The cares of this world must not affect God’s word in you. Watch the things you give attention to.
Then, there is the good ground:
Mark 4:20
20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
In a Christian meeting, you should be a good ground where God’s word produces in you what it talks about. When God’s word is taught, receive it actively. Always have an active attitude to the word when it is taught. Everything God can give, you receive it. God’s word does not bless you by chance, you actively work towards being blessed. No one becomes an astute teacher of God’s word by chance. The seed hitting the ground is not the end of the story, the ground must receive it. You must know how to receive the word — in being attentive.
Luke 8:18
18) Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
The first step to producing fruits of God’s word is that we know how to receive. Receiving God’s word in a Christian meeting starts before you get there. When you are in the meeting, endeavour to write, this is what you go back to after the meeting.
Say this: I am a good ground and I know how to receive God’s word. I hear the word, I don’t lose the word.
Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Bible Reading – Exodus 35-37
TEACHING OF THE DAY
The Weapons of our Warfare