Scripture
18 “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: 19The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. 20The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. Matthew 13:18-21
Observation
Jesus is making it clear to His disciples that there is a battle for souls going on right in front of them. They aren’t just passing through, they are in spiritual warfare. Using a story that would be familiar to all who grew up in this agrarian society Jesus pulled the curtain back on what happens in the spirit when the Gospel is shared. The Seed is the Scripture, The Sower is the Savior, The Soils are Souls and Satan is real and is working over time to keep the seed from taking root. It was made very clear to the disciples that if the devil can’t steal the seed then we will hand it over to him when life gets hard and rocky.
Application
The early Church wasn’t surprised to hear that hard times were a part of the package, but we sure are. This is the hole in our gospel. We live as spiritual beings in a physical world and act surprised when we encounter spiritual warfare as we share God’s Goodness with our friends and family. Hurt isn’t God hurting me. God will help me dig below the hurt and get rooted in healing if I’ll let Him. I don’t have to have all the answers when I’m holding the hand of the one who does. I live in two worlds, the one of faith and the one of feelings and you acknowledge both. Faith will lead you through the feelings. I remember walking through Oxford England during my Masters Cohort and seeing all these historical places that were the roots of our early church fathers. I was taking pictures of where CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien used to argue stories and theology at The Eagle and Child. Then, I came across something in the middle of the road on Broad Street that I would have passed by without notice had our guide not pointed it out. As cars were driving by I noticed this patch of original brick and street. When the protestant Christians refused to go along with the abuses of the church of England this the spot reformers were burned alive for their faith. According to the Book of Martyrs, on April 14th, 1554, Cranmer was forced to watch his fellow ministers being burned alive. “Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.” This really struck me hard int hard in that moment. I felt Holy Spirit asking me, “Are you a tourist or are you in training?” Im not just passing through, I’m here to fight for souls and lay down my life. If I’m a tourist then the at the first sign of inconvenience or plans gone awry or lost luggage I’m out. Life is hard, God is Good, and this is not my home. I’m not a tourist, I’m in training. I’m not passively observing, I’m actively participating. “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” (theologian Tertullian) More people are dying for their Christian faith than in any other time in Christian history. Yet, I get whiny when the AC isn’t working well at church...
Prayer
Lord, I pray that you would forgive me for such a fickle faith that runs and quakes the moment I face adversity or trial. Help me to see that this is a spiritual war for souls and not something to take lightly or without prayer. My brothers and sisters are giving their lives for You all over the world and You’ve called me take up Your Cross and follow in their foot steps. I’m here in America, but You’re asking for nothing less than all of me as I tell others about You!
