Beware the Thorns! (1 of 2)
"Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants." ~Matthew 13:7
Gardening season is in full swing, and with it, the daily fight to keep our young, tender plants healthy while also keeping the weeds from taking over the fertile ground.
Our spiritual lives face a similar fight, and today's words may hurt you like they hurt me. I have let the thorns grow. Actually, I not only let the thorns grow, I let the thorns take over. Want a thorn salad? Not very appetizing, and certainly painful to chew and tough to swallow--just like my painful realization.
Jesus is speaking in the previous words from Matthew. He is teaching in parables as he so often did. The curious (and confused) disciples asked Jesus the meaning of these words, and the following is what Jesus stated in reply:
"The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful." ~Matthew 13:22
Mark 4 also recounts Jesus' parable, and Mark records the explanation in the following manner in verses 18-19:
"Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." ~Mark 4:18-19
Unfruitful. Ouch. Yes, I am guilty of nurturing the thorns in my life to the point of being unfruitful.
The Passion Translation words Jesus' explanation a little differently, and possibly a little more painfully:
"The one sown among thorns represents one who receives the message, but all of life's busy distractions, his divided heart, and his ambition for wealth result in suffocating the kingdom message and it becomes fruitless." ~Matthew 13:22
Now, let's take a moment to assess what exactly surrounds us. A fruitful life or destructive thorns?
What I see surrounding me are worldly concerns: my schedule, my obligations, my desires. Yes, I am guilty of nurturing the thorns of a divided heart and a quest for success. I have given attention to these "thorns" rather than nurturing my personal relationship with Almighty God.
Today, let us reflect on Jesus' parable, get rid of the thorns in each of our lives, and put our focus where it belongs--on developing a fruitful life for our Creator.
Prayer:
Almighty God, we are so thankful for the Bible and Jesus personally teaching us--warning us--about the thorns in this life. Forgive us for nurturing thorns rather than being fruitful with the seeds that have been entrusted to us. Guide each of us with the Holy Spirit, and help us to respond Your leading. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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