The disciples and others stay after the seaside teachings about the Word falling on our hearts. They long for more. Sehnsucht (1000 Gifts)---that's what C.S. Lewis calls it---longing and lingering like a maniac, long after all have gone home. You're still there! Those that stayed are the ones who are hungry for the Word. So makes me want to listen to what Jesus is really saying here:
4 Scenarios await us when we hear the Word of God:
1. Satan "immediately" (there's that Greek word frequenting Mark) comes and *TAKES AWAY* the Word that is sown in us at church, on your sofa, at your desk, in your car, from a tape, when you read...
2. You "immediately" (there it is again) receive the Word with *JOY* but you have no roots inside yourself so the Word "immediately" slides right out of your heart when troubles and tribulations come...
3. The cares (and we have so many) of this world and our desires for other things besides the Love of our Christ, *C-H-O-K-E* the Word.
4. *HEAR* the Word. *ACCEPT* the Word. Let Him *BEAR FRUIT* in due time. "Let us look to the Lord, that by His New-Creating Grace, our hearts may become Good Ground" with the Word producing Words and Works to His Glory.
On Accepting the Word: If it was a mere act of our mind, a YES with a nod to accept the Word, we would all bear fruit in abundance. What does it truly mean to accept this Living Word into our lives? What must we let go of this moment to hold on to that Grace upon Grace vying for a Place in our hearts. What must I do? What do I want? To Whom shall we go? What do you seek? Am I longing for more? Sehnsucht.
"But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."
ReplyDeleteWhen people see me, do they see Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and a woman with Self-Control? The Lord is doing some work in my heart these days and Satan is trying to get me to believe some lies. I pray I have ears that hear only One voice that whispers how much I am loved and that I truly accept it.
I was starving for a Word this morning and He gave me exactly what I needed.
Though I've read, studied, heard teachings on this passage over the years, the word "immediately" never jumped out at me in the past. I am so thankful His Word is alive and pierces me to the very marrow of my
ReplyDeletejoints.
I pray I truly sow His Word in my heart with joy.
Annette H
Mark4:14 -15"The farmer plants the Word. Some people are like the seed that falls on the hardened soil of the road. No sooner do they hear the Word than Satan snatches away what has been planted in them.
ReplyDelete16 -17"And some are like the seed that lands in the gravel. When they first hear the Word, they respond with great enthusiasm. But there is such shallow soil of character that when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it." (the Message)
I pray my soil of character is grounded in deep bedrock of faith. I pray that I will continue to sink deep roots into the Christ who is my hope and deliverer. As I learn how to love and obey, these seeds planted by the Saviour will bear fruit, and will result in a great harvest.
Such good questions to ask this morning, Bev and Angie! What does good soil look like?
ReplyDeletePrepare our hearts to receive Your Word, Lord.
According to this passage, it starts with repentance. "...lest they should turn and be forgiven." Hardened hearts come from unattended sin. Cares of the world choke out fruitfulness.
Give us good soil, Lord, to receive Your Word and respond with fruitful lives.
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
9 "And he said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
ReplyDeleteI woke up this morning with a whisper from God to start praying this prayer for my loved ones.
And here it is tonight in this day's reading passage.
I see so much of the Spirit preparing me for each day's reading. I so love that. He is intentional in our lives...going before us. Bringing us along as He works in our lives.
Oh, may we all have ears to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us.
Every whisper is life-changing.
The verse comes to mind: I have no greater joy than my children walk in truth. I so feel that way every time I log in to this site to see what is stirring in you, what is sitting with you, what our Good God is sifting through His Hands for you. So love each one of you. Cannot wait every day to read your comments for each one gives me glimpses into the very heart of God. Thank you so much for being a part here. Love, Bev
ReplyDeleteWhere is Jean?
ReplyDeleteMichele, are you doing any better? Prayers and Hugs from over this way! Hope you're doing okay!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny. Every day when i write my post, I think to myself: Self, I cannot do this. I cannot come up with anything worthwhile to say. I just won't be able to do this today. Every day. And, you're in the midst of bloggers----everyone who blogs can write or they wouldn't be blogging. So I sit and wait and pray and wonder and start typing. And I am so loving how God meets us all here and what I am learning about the Word of God and how the Word is washing over me. But more than all that---it's just about HIM. Just thought I would tell you about my sophomoric writing lapses. And, I'll just keep on writing if I have at least an audience of One. Always will! My Love to you all. Bev
ReplyDeleteBev, I was just thinking this morning (swear to God) about you writing these posts every day. They are written so eloquently that the thought crossed my mind wondering if they came out of a book someone wrote and you just copied and pasted. I know it isn't true, but it seems like that because it's SO perfect! I want to THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I know you are making the ONE person who matters most very very happy! You are being a great faithful servant!
ReplyDeleteI love you, Bev Brandon!
Angie