As Jesus explains this parable, He shows us that some, when they hear about the Word, satan comes and immediately takes it away, the seed by the wayside. The ones by the rocky ground received the Word with gladness but it took no root so it withered away. The ones among the thorns, the Word was choked off by love and care of the world, not of Him. And the good ground, that is where the Word grows deep.
Again, I am sure most of you have read this and heard this taught as I have. But today....I was reading a few blogs, reading a few bits of books in search for a certain book. I felt Jesus saying, "You want to know Me more, read My Word." So I did. I picked up my Bible and started reading Mark, not really sure where I was going but knowing, I was reading His word and I would certainly glean from it!
I got to chapter 4 and read this smiling, thinking, I know this story. But then it hit me....He wants to speak something new to me. He wants to remind me, His Word is alive and it constantly speaks when we read of the Word. And, this is true of today.
What I heard, when I read, what He said to me was this.....(I am not changing what He said in the Bible, please know this, this is what He spoke to me in response to me reading His Word)
"What if....instead of sharing the Word only on good ground, you actually did some labor in the other ground. You spent time moving rocks, pulling weeds, cultivating the soil so it was ready to receive the Word when it is sown?"
I had to think for a while. Cultivate the ground.....
My first thought is, that is not what Your Word is saying".......... but isn't it? I mean, we are called to go out, all of us are called to go and make disciples of all the nations, not just the "good soiled" nations. (Matthew 28:18-20)
At this time in my life, I am really feeling called to reach people, all people, not just ones I could see myself being with, not just the ones who look clean and smell decent. I feel Him saying, "Now, now is the time!" to reach all, even the ones who are dirty and may smell like week old alcohol, even the ones who are really wealthy and dress in high fashion, even the ones who live next door to me, even the ones who are in my family and are really close to me.....yikes.
It is not easy, I know, I am having a hard time writing this because it is hard...it is hard to walk out of your comfort zone, hard to take a step of faith let alone a leap of faith. But you know what, He is there waiting for us! He paved the way, He walks with us holding our hand if we need it. He has our back. He wont let us fall.(Duet 31:6-8, Isa 45:2, Josh 1:5, Heb 13:5) And even if these relationships crumble and fall, He is there to hold us together and remind us that eternity is far more important that this temporal life we live. It is far too important to allow those around us to end up in hell because we were to fearful. It is far too important to not share the Good News, to not speak truth and life into peoples lives.
So, oh Jesus, I pray that you help me learn to be a good cultivator. Help me build relationships where I can weed the soil, where I can help move rocks, where I can be the "scarecrow" to shew away the birds from stealing the seed. I cant do any of this, not in and of myself, but You, and only You can do this through me. So Jesus I pray you help me be that person You keep showing me. Help me step out. Help me trust you completely. Help me let go of me and cling to You! In Your precious Name I pray, amen.
