A sower went out to sow. As he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, and having little soil, they sprang up fast, and having no roots, they were scorched by the sun and dried up. Other seeds fell amoung thorn bushes. The thorns grew up and choked them. Still other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grains, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Those who are listening should take heed. (Matt.13:4-9)
The people, like the various kinds of soil recieving the seed recieve the word of God in various ways. Those who are educated beyond their intelligence see the Word as overly simplistic, and of no value to them in where they are at in their lives. There is no depth, so they fail to see beneath the surface of the Word. They are like the ground along the path, which has no depth where the seed can take root. There are others who listen to the Word and like what they hear, but are afraid of making a commitment to the Word because it will mean a change that will complicate their lives, and maybe cause them pain or loss. They are like the rocky ground, incapable of supporting long-term growth. The seedling eventually dies. Then there are others who hear the Word, like what they hear, but are too enamored of the things of the world, which they find more enjoyable. They follow the Word for a while, but in time it becomes boring, as it distracts them from the addiction to material interests, and they eventually lose interest in the Word. They are like the ground overgrown with thorns that choke the seed. Then, finally, there are those who hear the Word, fall in love with what they hear, and make a life long commitment to the Word and nurture it. The Word thrives in their hearts and transforms their lives. They are like the ground with good, fertile soil, which welcomes the seed and provides what it needs to thrieve.
Reference~A New Understanding of God's Son Jesus, by Joseph Girzone
The people, like the various kinds of soil recieving the seed recieve the word of God in various ways. Those who are educated beyond their intelligence see the Word as overly simplistic, and of no value to them in where they are at in their lives. There is no depth, so they fail to see beneath the surface of the Word. They are like the ground along the path, which has no depth where the seed can take root. There are others who listen to the Word and like what they hear, but are afraid of making a commitment to the Word because it will mean a change that will complicate their lives, and maybe cause them pain or loss. They are like the rocky ground, incapable of supporting long-term growth. The seedling eventually dies. Then there are others who hear the Word, like what they hear, but are too enamored of the things of the world, which they find more enjoyable. They follow the Word for a while, but in time it becomes boring, as it distracts them from the addiction to material interests, and they eventually lose interest in the Word. They are like the ground overgrown with thorns that choke the seed. Then, finally, there are those who hear the Word, fall in love with what they hear, and make a life long commitment to the Word and nurture it. The Word thrives in their hearts and transforms their lives. They are like the ground with good, fertile soil, which welcomes the seed and provides what it needs to thrieve.
Reference~A New Understanding of God's Son Jesus, by Joseph Girzone
