Day 284

Galilean Ministry
6. Teaching at the Sea of Galilee
- Warning to Scribes and Pharisees
    *Accused of madness - Mark 3
    *Heals demoniac (M-12) - Matthew 12:22-30; Mark 3:22-27
    *Unpardonable sin - Matthew 12:31-30
    *Folly of seeking for a sign - Matthew 12:38-45
- Christ's true kindred - Matthew 12:46-34; Luke 8:19-21
- To the crowds by the sea
    *Parable of the sower - Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-25; Luke 8:4-18
    *Parable of seed growing by itself (P-3) - Mark 4:26-29
-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-
Sowing and reaping.  This has always been a pleasant passage to reflect upon.  More so, since  coming to understand the doctrine of election.


As Christians we are commanded to go forth and preach the Word.  Scattering seed liberally.  In every type of ground.  Each seed has a potential to bear fruit.  However, not everywhere the seed is scattered has the potential to nourish and sustain.


Ground 1 - Way side
Ground 2 - Stony ground
Ground 3 - Thorny environment
Ground 4 - Good ground
What causes the seed to not take root?


Way Side - Heard the Word - The wicked one (Satan) catches or takes away; trodden down or fowls devoured.
Stony - Heard the Word - Endures for a while, until tribulation affliction, temptation or persecution arises because of the Word they are offended; lacked moisture (the living water).
Thorny - Heard the Word - Cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, cares, pleasures, lust of other things choke out the Word.
Good - Heard the Word - Understands and bears fruit, some hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.


Who makes the ground?  God.  Who creates the seed?  God  Who gives the 'water?'  God.


Many are called, but few are chosen.  They all heard, yet only the ground that was 'good' produced.  Some even gave the appearance of 'believing.'  I wonder if they are those who 'think' they are saved because they 'said a prayer' or 'asked Jesus into their hearts?'


I said the 'sinners prayer' - once.  A long time ago...but that didn't save me.  Only Father's electing grace.  Election, foreknowledge, predestination in no way precludes the responsibility of believers to speak forth the oracles of God.
I like Charles Spurgeon's quote:
"

Let us arose ourselves to the sternest fidelity, labouring to win souls as much as if it all depended wholly upon ourselves, while we fall back, in faith, upon the glorious fact that everything rests with the eternal God." 

I keep thinking about those miners who were recently rescued.  They had no hope of saving themselves.  No means of providing themselves air, food, water during their confinement.  No way to get up and out.  They were as good as dead.


Just as we were.  Dead.  Without life, until God reached down and breathed into us the eternal breath of life.  Replacing our stony hearts with hearts of flesh.  Giving us minds to understand, know and desire Him and HIS ways.


Have you experienced the life changing force of the Spirit of God rescuing you?