ICS Daily Devotions
Beware of Thorns
Matthew 13:7,22 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them…. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
The third type of seeds that Jesus talked about in this parable suggests a double-minded kind of man. As the seeds fall in the midst of the thorns, the thorns are springing up because they have not been rooted out from the soil, so as the seed springs up amidst the thorns, they will choke out both the seed and the plant that has begun to grow, finally the choking chokes out all of the life of the seed.
We are used to “seeing is believing”. Although this group heard the Word, the cares of this world overwhelm them and money is still their security in life. These people are worried about their jobs and their future. The love of money and the deceitfulness of riches is the root of all evil because it causes men to put their trust in money rather than in God. Once Christians become worrisome or anxious about life, the Word is no longer in them.
The cares of this world will cause many of us to have stress points, and when these stress points are not managed properly, peace will depart from us and our homes. The Word will not be able to flourish in our lives and we will not experience the abundant life that we have in Christ.
Situation and circumstances will change, and faith in God and His Word will help you to see the changed circumstance, so speak what you are convicted of and act on what you believe!
If you belong to this category, God wants you to cast your cares on Him because He cares for you, and to make Him the source of your provision. Believe in the Lord’s goodness and provision so that you are immovable and not easily tempted by the lusts of the flesh and the eyes.
We need to allow the seed to germinate and take root, and we need to keep the Word and protect it from being stolen. Mediate on it by “chewing” on the Word until it becomes a part of your being, firmly established in the heart so that it will guard your minds.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Sermon Series: Breaking Free – What Jesus Wants Us to Know
