Good and bad soil (4) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

Some (seed) fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.
Matthew 13:7.

Good and bad soil (4)
The third type of soil is full of thorns. The seed is sown, but as it grows, the thorns choke it. Weeds grow more quickly and vigorously and take from the earth the nutriment that the seed needs. It withers away and fails to produce fruit.

In His explanation the Lord names three kinds of "thorns": "The ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches and the pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity" (Luke 8:14; cf. Matthew 13:22).

Cares, riches and the pleasures of life all concern material things on earth. If they fill a man's heart and govern his thinking and striving, they prevent the seed of the Word of God from coming to maturity and producing fruit.

Martha of Bethany truly believed in the Son of God. but she was excessively anxious and uneasy about life's duties; her sister Mary, however, took time to listen to the Lord's word. The rich cereal farmer in Luke 12 is a warning for us: increasing and enjoying his wealth so occupied him that he forgot the essential thing. Do we not see more clearly today than ever before that striving after life's pleasures leaves no time for God and His Word? (Cf. Luke 10:38-42; 12:16-21).

We haven't the time for all that we want to achieve; so God and His Word are neglected. Whatever is unnecessary, superfluous and harmful chokes what God wishes to say to us.

(to be concluded tomorrow)

Today's reading: Leviticus 7:1-21 · Psalms 53:1-6