True life begins with accepting the word

Mark 4:1-20, 26-29.

(The Parables of the Sower and Growing Seed).

How do you respond to God’s word? Jesus shows that the continuous experience of true life only comes from accepting the word of God. Anything short, at its best, only yields momentary joy.

In teaching about the Kingdom of God (v11), Jesus speaks of a farmer who goes to sow seeds and scatters them on all kinds of soils, with the good soil truly yielding life (v1-8). The seed is the word of God (v14), and the soils are how we respond to the word. But there is only one right response.

Accept it

The parable shows that just as the kind of soil affects the yield, the kind of response affects the experience of the Kingdom of God.

It’s like signing up for an online service, say Amazon; there are terms and conditions open to all. You can either ignore it, tiptoe around it, consider it or accept it. But there is only one response to enjoy the service. Similarly, in God’s kingdom, anything short of fully accepting God’s word cannot yield life, so accept it.

And keep accepting it

Kingdom life begins with accepting the Word, Jesus (John 1:1), and continually accepting His word above all else. From the narrative of the other soils, we see that accepting requires perseverance. Saying yes, despite trouble and persecution (v17) and saying yes over worries, wealth’s deceit and worldly desires (v18). Therein lies an increasing experience of life and life to eternity (v20, 26-29), rather than momentary joy (v16).

Whatever makes the soil of our heart unreceptive to God's word hinders life in the kingdom, and we must guard against it. (James 1:21, John 5:24, 1 Peter 1:23)

Reflect & Pray

How are you presently delighting in God’s Word? How might you delight more in God’s word?

Father God, may our hearts be steadfast to your life-bringing word in Jesus' name.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.

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