The Gospel Proclamation .... He began to teach them many things in parables... “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. ... Other seed fell among thorns and the thorns grew up and choked it and it yielded no grain. Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, ...When he was alone, those who were around him along with the twelve asked him about the parables. .... The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown .....
Prayerful Awareness To explain spiritual truths, Jesus used familiar scenes to teach people by using parables, short stories. This method compelled the listeners to think. A parable conceals the truth from those who are too stubborn or prejudiced to hear what is being taught. Jesus’ parable of “the four soils” or of “the sower” is a familiar event, for, at that time, seeds were sown by hand as the farmer walked across the field, he threw handfuls of seed onto the ground from a large bag slung across his shoulders. No matter how skillful, no farmer could keep some of his seed from falling by the wayside, from being scattered among rocks and thorns or being carried off by the wind. So the farmer would throw generously and enough would fall on good ground to ensure the harvest. Jesus’ words were for the honest seekers. We know that when we are not ready, we do not understand God’s truth. When God reveals the truth to us, we must act on it and make it visible in our lives. We may be open to God about our future but closed concerning how we spend our riches, and may respond like good soil to God’s demand for worship, but like rocky soil to His command to give to people in need. We must strive to be like good soil in every area of our lives, AT ALL TIMES. When we talk to people about God and our experiences of His love, they may not understand if they are yet not ready. So then, let us be patient and pray that the Holy Spirit will open their minds and hearts to receive the TRUTH, and share the truth with others. Psalm: 89/3-4, 26-29 This Psalm describes the glorious reign of David. God’s promise to preserve David’s descendants is fulfilled in Jesus, who will reign for eternity. God promised to make David the mightiest king on earth and to keep his descendants on the throne forever. The love and kindness promised to David is ours in Christ Jesus. The above verses can only look forward prophetically to the future reign of Jesus, David’s descendant. Verse 27 is the highest expression in Christ’s future reign over the world. “I will also appoint Him my first born the most exalted of the kings of the earth.”
Prayer Starter O Lord, help me not to be overcrowded with materialistic pursuits deafening me to God’s Word. Grant me to stay free of false sense of security brought on by prosperity. I want to hear God, when He speaks.
