“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed…He does this by…taking GOD’S WORD to others.” (Mark 4:3, 14)
Jesus is teaching about what God’s Word can do! “The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly THE MESSAGE IS CROWDED OUT (sumpnigō: to strangle, to drown) by the WORRIES of this life, the LURE of wealth, and the DESIRE for other things, so NO FRUIT is produced.” (Mark 4:18-19)
- WORRIES: From the Greek, merimna: apprehension, anxiety about things we have no control.
- LURE: Comes from the Greek word, apatē: deceitfulness. We are lured away from the truth.
- DESIRES: epithumia “…each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires (epithumia) and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, BRINGS FORTH DEATH.” (James 1:14-15)
Because the Word of God is “living” and “powerful” (Heb. 4:12) it is definitely not just words on paper. Because the Word of God is the “Sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:16) it defends and protects us. Because the Word of God is “God’s Breath” (theopneustos) (2 Tim 3:16) breathing POWER and LIFE into us.
Have you ever noticed that the letters of Paul begin with “grace to you” (“Grace TO YOU and peace…”(1 Corin. 1:3)) and concludes with “grace be with you?” (“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU…” (2 Thess. 3:18)) Why is that? Paul understood his writings to be conduits of God’s grace. If you read the Bible, grace is COMING TO YOU. Afterward, grace is NOW WITH YOU. So when you read God’s word you RECEIVE HIS GRACE! The desire and power to do His will…(Phi. 2:13)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham