Words from the Rock
Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.
Matthew 13:7 NIV
This third category in this seed parable is interesting. From what we can tell, this seed has fallen on some fairly good soil because it actually grows into a plant. The only problem is that there are weeds and thorns growing in this same patch of ground. The trouble with weeds and thorns is that they hog the water, the sun, and the nutrients in the soil, and they can eventually take over and choke out an otherwise healthy plant.
This weed-infested garden represents those who hear Jesus’s Good News and willingly receive it. They happily plant the seed into their hearts, where the soil seems nicely plowed and ready for cultivation, and the seed develops roots and grows. Everything is cool, right? Except that the plant isn’t the only thing growing there. Sure, those itty-bitty weeds may not look terribly threatening at first. Maybe they even resemble flowers. But weeds left to grow will get out of control and eventually ruin the garden.
Weeds and thorns are symbols for sin. Like weeds that take over a garden, sin can take over our hearts. We need to confess our sin to God and receive his forgiveness, but that’s not all. Just like a farmer who diligently pulls weeds from the field, God wants to uproot sin from our lives. He knows that when we neglect those weeds and continue doing what we know is wrong, the weeds will take over and possibly choke out our faith completely.
My Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for your forgiveness. I know that sin is as common as weeds, but please help me to deal with it on a daily basis.
Amen.
Final Word
The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.
Matthew 13:22 NIV
Stone for the Journey
I will not allow sin to crowd out my faith.