Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. (Luke 8:11-15 ESV)
As Jesus explains this parable of the sower, which stumped sophisticated scribes and faithful followers alike, we often see the word "saved" and then begin to deliniate which ones are saved - and which are not (a; a and b; a, b and c), with a lot of theological debate over c. I don't think that was Jesus' point or intent. He wants us, whether saved or not, to examine the softness of the soil in our own hearts. To be sure, the seed on the path never takes place, leading to salvation, but believers who get spiritually lazy and do not cultivate thier own soil can also develop a resistence to letting God's Word take root and continually change their lives. It's not a multiple choice test; it's a life-long essay with the right introduction.
No comments:
Post a Comment