I am slowly making my way through the book of Mark and as I came across a familiar parable I came to a sudden realization. I was reading in Mark 4:3-9 about the parable of the sower. Now for those of you who need a refresher, it goes like this:
9 And He said to them, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" 3 "Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. 5 Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. 7 And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. 8 But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, |
After I read this I suddenly realized that all the seeds had a purpose.
The all too familiar teaching that usually accompanies this story is that we should sow on good ground. So what I am about to share is merely my opinion and a personal revelation that I had. Please do not take it as new doctrine, or a new way of looking into the parable, because Jesus explains it later on. I would merely like to pose a thought to think and pray on.
When I realized that all the seeds have a purpose I began to think about what that means for me. So before I continue with this thought, I would like to continue with this passage:
The all too familiar teaching that usually accompanies this story is that we should sow on good ground. So what I am about to share is merely my opinion and a personal revelation that I had. Please do not take it as new doctrine, or a new way of looking into the parable, because Jesus explains it later on. I would merely like to pose a thought to think and pray on.
When I realized that all the seeds have a purpose I began to think about what that means for me. So before I continue with this thought, I would like to continue with this passage:
Mark 4:14-20 "14 The sower sows the word. 15 After 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, and accept it, and bear fruit: some thirty-fold, some sixty and some hundred." |
When I thought about this I understood why the general teaching about this is that we should sow on good ground, but my question is who are we; more specifically who am I to determine what ground is good ground? So this is what I have been pondering...
As I said before all the seeds have a purpose. Sometimes the purpose might be to grow your own faith more that that of the person into whose life you have sown. Other times it might just be that you need a reminder that we have an enemy who really comes to steal and destroy by any means necessary. Other times it is because you need to walk a long road with someone and help to develop an nourish; and yes, at times even trim, the plant of firm faith that has begun to develop.
I just thought that this is an interesting thought and that I would like to share it. Please share your thoughts and/or revelations about this.
Remember always pray about new perspectives though, because the only one who can really teach us the whole truth is the One Himself.
Thank you ABBA Father for the opportunity to share this with fellow seekers of Your truth!
May you all be abundantly blessed as you seek His face.
Much love,
Anke
As I said before all the seeds have a purpose. Sometimes the purpose might be to grow your own faith more that that of the person into whose life you have sown. Other times it might just be that you need a reminder that we have an enemy who really comes to steal and destroy by any means necessary. Other times it is because you need to walk a long road with someone and help to develop an nourish; and yes, at times even trim, the plant of firm faith that has begun to develop.
I just thought that this is an interesting thought and that I would like to share it. Please share your thoughts and/or revelations about this.
Remember always pray about new perspectives though, because the only one who can really teach us the whole truth is the One Himself.
Thank you ABBA Father for the opportunity to share this with fellow seekers of Your truth!
May you all be abundantly blessed as you seek His face.
Much love,
Anke