The Sower (2/3) Lost Seed

Birdseed?

Some seed fell on a path and was eaten by birds.

According to the translators, the Gospels use different names but all three writers see the birds as Satan. By the way, you might notice that I prefer Mark’s use of the name Satan because we know of Satan in the Old Testament—before other cultures influenced Hebrew beliefs. However, only Matthew helps us see that Satan gains power when we do not understand the word.

Amy appeared to be upset with me. Even though I have great experience, I know that my mind reading lacks accuracy. So I asked her, “Are you irritated with me because I’m deaf?”

“No,” she replied, “I’m upset because you don’t wear your hearing aids.”

I wonder, "Could misunderstanding really cause us difficulty?" :)

Rooted on Rock

A few lively rockbound sprouts appeared, only to wither in the sun because they lacked root.

Like the Gospel writers, we may readily agree that the seed on stony ground represents those new followers who lack the root to remain. However, the Gospels do not tell us what the root represents.

Personally, I suspect that the root represents the wisdom of the Torah. The first commandment and the golden rule distill that wisdom, according to both Jesus and Hillel. More will be revealed about the lack of root in a future post.

Throttled by Thorns

Thorns grew to choke the tender plants so tightly that they could not bear fruit.

The three writers agreed that cares and riches keep some of us from being fruitful. However, Luke went a bit further and said that when some “choked by cares and riches and pleasures of this life…go forth… [they] bring no fruit to perfection.”

I wonder, “What cares? The morning paper? The evening news? The judgments of my favorite political commentator?

As for riches, I live on a cul-de-sac. Solomon, with all his wealth, could not go 60 miles per hour or enjoy 70-degree comfort when the heat of the day reaches 100 degrees. I just might be choked with riches.

As for pleasures of this world, I occupy much of my time with viewing television, eating too much and cruising the internet. How do activities like scuba diving and snow machining fit as “pleasures of this life?” Indeed, the pleasures of this life just might diminish my opportunities to be fruitful.

I shudder in fear while walking in faith. Still, I wonder, “How fruitful am I? In fact, what does it mean to be fruitful?”

Next: A Flourishing Field