[RE]FOCUS Day 39
Week 6: Reforming
Day 4: Parable of the Sower
By Bruce Volkert
READ:
Matthew 13:3 And [Jesus] told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow…”
Today we reflect on the Parable of the Sower in Matthew chapter 13. You can also read this parable in the Gospels of Mark and Luke. Few of us define ourselves as “sowers”. However, many of us do some amount of sowing – whether gardening, tending to a lawn or even actively involved in agriculture. We can agree that growing weeds is quite simple. You don’t have to work at it. Do nothing and the weeds will grow and even thrive. Weeds can grow in impossible settings and can flourish even when we do battle against them. Apply mulch, squirt them with poison, or pluck them and the weeds can still return. Weeds pop up in places in which we don’t care as well as taking residence in and among our beautiful flowers.
The seed of faith is freely available. The Parable of the Sower sheds light on some ways that interfere with this seed taking root. A main culprit is the weeds around us. The “cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke” the seed that has been planted. It is tempting to stay in the weeds and not experience the fullness of God’s grace. However, the weeds can be treated. Refocusing on God’s Word, daily prayer and devotion, avoiding “the cares of the world” all prevent weeds from taking hold. Spending time with Jesus defeats the weeds.
PRAY:
Jesus, send us Your Spirit to refocus our faith from the weeds in our lives. When our faith gets choked out, restore it. Thank You for the grace to begin and continue with You each day by faith. Amen.
LIVE:
What are some weeds threatening to go after your faith? How can you do a little “gardening” to nurture your faith?