"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop--a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown, He who has ears, let him hear."
13:10 "The disciples came to him and asked, 'Why do you speak to the people in parables?'"
Jesus spoke in parables because they are open to many interpretations but with one meaning. This is true to the nature of God, for there is one path but many languages and cues that we receive through the Spirit and gospel on how to get there. This is similar to what you and Scott were saying about how a group under one umbrella will have different perspectives on a problem after praying, but ultimately the same goal. This message has several meanings to me. The first I thought of involved the church as being the soil or conditions in which the Word is taught. And with a good church the seeds that God planted will grow in our lives and we will be enriched and also able to spread the good to others. Then I also thought of the soil as being different conditions in the world such as sinful opposition, outside persecution and peer pressure and the attraction of the world's pleasures. And the gospel as the seeds that take root and how with these poor conditions, nothing grows or is cut off and with a healthy condition or mindset, the gospel takes root and flourishes. With spring here this parable sprang to mind for it is such. With the connection to your thoughts earlier Melissa, God will forgive as many times as we will repent and the seasons will bring life as many times as the Earth turns.
Thank you! I like to think of God's mercy as the seasons change: I want to see reminders is good everywhere I look.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I like to think of God's mercy as the seasons change: I want to see reminders is good everywhere I look.
ReplyDeleteAbby, Thank you. I love that you connected this to the seasons and pointed out God's mercy to give us chances to grow over and over again. I have usually connected this parable to our hearts and our ability to receive God's word. If we are too concerned about what other think, or what the trends and cultures of the world are promoting those cares can choke our hearts like the thorns and we will forget the importance of the Lord in our lives. If we are not meditating, praying, pondering on God's word, and serving others, our roots in His kingdom are shallow and weak and misfortune or outside pressures may uproot us and leave us to wither. Christ's disciples are to be known by their fruit, so it is important that we keep rooted and growing and reaching outward to bless others.
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