November 14
Seeds and the Thorns of Life
I was reading Jesus’ Parable of the Sower in Luke 8. It begins in verse 5 with “A sower went out to sow his seed….”
In the process of sowing not all the seed fell on good ground. Some fell on the hardened path, some among the rocks and some in the thorns. I was drawn to the seeds that fell in the thorns. “Other seed fell among thorns; the thorns sprang up with it and choked it.” [vs7 HCSB]
When Jesus explained the parable to His disciples upon their request, He told them what happens to the seeds thrown in the thorns.
“As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who, when they have heard, go on their way and are choked with worries, riches, and pleasures of life, and produce no mature fruit.” [v14 HCSB]
While the seeds in the thorns do germinate, they are so consumed with worries, riches, and pleasures that they produce no mature fruit. The thorns of life choke out any life that is begun and prevent maturity.
The Greek word for “mature” in verse 14 means to bring to completion, and can be used of fruit, pregnant women, animals bringing their young to completion. It also emphasizes the completion of this life into eternal life.
Maturity is part of our Christian walk. While we are expected to be “immature” in the faith when first we come to Christ Jesus, we are not expected to remain there. A person who has been a Christian for years and still has not matured in faith, wisdom and knowledge should be an anomaly, not the norm.
