Embrace
Accept It – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Mark 4:13-20

Key Verse: Mark 4:20

Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop–thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown.”

As we continue our study of the parable Jesus told about the farmer, we see that Jesus understood not everyone would embrace the truth.  Remember, to embrace something means to truly understand and gladly include it in our lives.  Jesus said that some seed fell on the hardened “walking path” that ran alongside the farmer’s field.  These seeds never had a chance to take hold.  Jesus said Satan played a part in this process, encouraging sinners to ignore the truths given to them.

            Another place Jesus mentioned was the rocky places that the seed fell on.  These rocks (sinners) had enough soil (open minded) to receive the seed (truth) quickly and with joy.  But Jesus wanted us to understand that some people don’t advance their faith by continued study and prayer.  If a person doesn’t advance their faith, it grows little root system.  Jesus tells us that this person falls away when hardships come along.

            Still other seeds, according to Jesus’ story, fell among the thorns.  These people hear the Word but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things come in and choke out the kingdom truths.  This is a picture of our modern society.  It is hard to find good “soil” with so many options distracting people.  (Continued)

Father, help me to keep my life clear of all the distractions of this world that would diminish my love for you!  In Jesus’ name, amen.