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.
The connection that strikes me here is the contrast between unbelief and obedience as evidence of belief. Removal of the Word from the heart results in complete and total loss. Holding and the Word in my heart brings transformation. I will in the LORD's time bear fruit, much fruit, sweet and lucious.
And that good soil is analgous to the loving discipling of the ones who have gone before. It is a man or woman of God who comes along the new believer and nurtures the faith, lovingly tending so that the fruit matures into something beautiful to behold and marvelous to experience.
Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 145
Mid-day: 119:41-48
Evening: Psalm 70
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