DON'T YOU GET IT?

Scripture for the day: Mark 4:10,13 As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve disciples, began asking Him about the parables…. And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables?”

Thought for the day: The parable mentioned here is that of the sower who went out to plant, in anticipation of a good harvest. We’ve heard time and again of the types of soil involved in the parable and what those soil types represent. We know well enough of the pathway, the stony ground, the weed-choked area and the good and fertile soil. Almost always this parable is taught with the idea of making sure the soil is cultivated and enhanced so as to provide a good return on the seed sown. That’s all well and good, and a valid exposition of the story Jesus gave. However, as with most things, there’s more to it than just dirt.

First, this exchange between Jesus and His disciples took place after the crowds had dispersed. The disciples and a few others found themselves alone with the Master and began to ask Him questions; He answered every one without hesitation. What this tells me is, if you want answers to the perplexities of life, get alone with the Master. When you do, you can ask Him anything and answers are certain. Now, getting alone with Jesus may not mean withdrawing from the physical presence of the world; we’re not generally called to become monks, sequestered in the desert. Getting alone with Jesus means simply that our primary focus is on Him and not on the distractions that so easily beset us.

Second, this parable challenges us to set the proper priorities. What was the sower’s name? We don’t know. Where did he live? How much land did he have? Was he a wealthy farmer with acres of good fields, or was he a poor man with just garden enough to hopefully feed his family? We know none of these things about the sower. But here’s what we do know; he was true to his purpose. He had one job to do and he did it to the best of his ability. He paid no attention to those circumstances that might adversely affect the harvest. The harvest was not his concern; planting the seeds that would eventually lead to a harvest was his only interest.

Have you ever wondered why one believer begins a new work in any given area and, within a relatively few years, is surrounded by literally thousands of souls rescued from the bonds of sin, while another may labor for years on end with little to show for all his efforts? I’m sure most of us have, from time to time, wondered what we are doing wrong that we seem to see so little harvest? Jesus said through this parable, “The results of sowing are not in your hands. They are not your concern. Be faithful in planting the seed of the word of God and let me take care of the results.”

Friends, we are called to one thing; we are to be sowers of the seed that is the word of God. Whether that seed sprouts and produces a harvest cannot be our concern; the harvest is entirely in the hands of the Savior. Sometimes we are allowed to see the results of our labor; more often we must wait until all is revealed at the end of time. As Christians, our privilege, and holy responsibility, is to spread the Good News. We do that by telling others about Jesus and what He’s done in our lives. We fulfill our purpose when we share the written scriptures and point to the Savior. We do that when we get alone with Jesus, learn more and more of Him, and then go and tell.

Now go take on your world. - Bill