THE NARROW PATH TO RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD - DAY 65

by Rev. Robert John Cericola, Carroll, OH - EUA 

Day 65

Four Responses

Matthew 13:18–23 (NKJV) “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

In this parable, the four types of soil represent four types of people who hear the word of the kingdom and responded according to the condition of their heart.

The person by the side of the road had no interest in understanding what he heard and had the word stolen by the devil. The person with stony places (hardened heart) received the word with joy and endured for a season. But when persecution arose this person took offense, broke covenant and fell away. The third person received the word and perhaps agreed with it but failed to live accordingly and the cares of the world soon choked out the word and he became unfruitful and according to John 15 verse 2 was cut from the vine. The fourth person received the word, understood it, and brought forth much fruit to the glory of God.

Ending Thought

The fruit that the word produces are the virtues of Jesus such as; love, joy, patience, longsuffering, kindness, and faith. Are you bringing forth fruit or are the cares of this world making you unfruitful?