by Rev. Robert John Cericola, Carroll, OH - EUA
Day
65
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?