December 4th THE PARABLES
December 4th THE PARABLES
The Sower (Matt 13:1-9,18-23)
The Sower (Matt 13:1-9,18-23)
He does not have rootage in himself, but is by nature a temporizer, and the pressure of circumstances having come, and persecution because of the word, immediately sees in it that of which he disapproves and which hinders him from acknowledging its authority.
Matthew 13:21, An Expanded Translation (Wuest)
Matthew 13:21, An Expanded Translation (Wuest)
Context: Seed was broadcast by hand and was covered over quickly before birds came to feed, just as they ate seed falling on pathways. The rocky places would likely be concealed rock ledges with very little covering soil, causing plants from these seeds soon to wither in the sun. Some soil contained thorns which choked out the newly planted seeds. The stated yields of the productive seeds - a hundredfold, sixtyfold, and thirtyfold - are well within reason.
Application: Why is there such a lack of response to the preaching of the Good News of the Kingdom? There is no fault in the seed, the living powerful word of Christ. Nor should we find fault with the sower who faithfully sows the correct seed. Of course, it is important that the sower not try to improve on God’s seed, “You shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed” (Lev 19:19). Do not try to mix Grace seed with Law or man’s philosophies. Only the Holy Spirit can awaken a response to the Kingdom message in the heart of a person leading to repentance, salvation and fruitfulness, namely holiness, character, praise, and witness.
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What is the present state of your soil? (Hosea 10:12)
What is the present state of your soil? (Hosea 10:12)
