ICS Daily Devotions
God’s Word Is A Seed
Mark 4:13-20 And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. 18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”
This parable that we are focusing on is a heads up from Jesus regarding the scheme of the devil so that we will not fall into his scheme unnecessarily. It will help us to discern and understand that certain experiences are the work of the evil one who attempts to derail our faith in God. We need to be wise if we truly want to experience the abundant life that God has intended for us.
All of us are growing spiritually at different rates but if we are growing at a stagnant rate, there is a need for concern. Jesus emphasizes the need for us to know the condition of our own heart because the heart is deceitful.
There is one thing that can transform us in a powerful way and that is the Word of God. The Bible says that when the word of God goes forth, it will not return to God void but it shall accomplish all that He has purposed to do.
Often times, the word is referred to as a seed, a seed that has been sown into the heart of men – the soil. However, the condition of the heart is important because it will determine the growth and the fruit that is produced.
There is a prerequisite for us to deal with our hearts before we will be opened to the teaching, correcting, and the training of righteousness that comes with God’s word. A hardened heart will not be able to receive from God. When we are opened to the word of God then the rest of the revelation will flow.
For instance, going to church does not make us a Christian and going into a garage does not make us a car. We need to apply the truth in our daily living if we want to walk in God’s ways to live a godly and righteous life.
Jesus is telling us the word is the seed and he reveals to us a fundamental principle, which applies to everything in God’s kingdom. The soil represents the heart of men and attitudes. The aim for every farmer as he goes out planting the seed is to gain a HARVEST. As long as the seed falls on the right soil, the seed will definitely produce fruits or results that God has intended. A bountiful harvest.
Therefore, God’s intention for us is to build the right foundation, prepare the heart to receive and believe in the power of the Word. Unfortunately, despite the heads up from Jesus many Christians are not aware of this truth and the devil is taking advantage of stealing the seed immediately before it can take root and germinate in our hearts.
Sermon Series: What Does Jesus Want Us To Know?
