2/1 :: he who has ears, let him hear...
read matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
in this parable, we are fortunate to have Jesus not only tell the parable, but explain it as well. there are many lessons to take away from this text, but today we will focus on the soil. in each situation, it was not the seed that determined the fate of the plant, but the condition of the place where the seed landed… the soil. in Jesus’ explanation, soil represents the heart. it is the condition of the heart that determines what happens when the gospel (the seed) finds its way in. one of the problems with our understanding of evangelism is that we limit it so much. according to this passage, preparing someone’s heart to receive the gospel is as important as planting the seed. God often allows us to build a relationship with someone before opening the door to share the gospel. the forming of a relationship builds trust, and God uses that connection to prepare their heart to hear the gospel message.
† our core values state that we are trying to reach everyone… through the relationships God gives us. spend time today praying and asking God to show you how he wants to use you to better prepare the hearts of those he is bringing across your path.
in this parable, we are fortunate to have Jesus not only tell the parable, but explain it as well. there are many lessons to take away from this text, but today we will focus on the soil. in each situation, it was not the seed that determined the fate of the plant, but the condition of the place where the seed landed… the soil. in Jesus’ explanation, soil represents the heart. it is the condition of the heart that determines what happens when the gospel (the seed) finds its way in. one of the problems with our understanding of evangelism is that we limit it so much. according to this passage, preparing someone’s heart to receive the gospel is as important as planting the seed. God often allows us to build a relationship with someone before opening the door to share the gospel. the forming of a relationship builds trust, and God uses that connection to prepare their heart to hear the gospel message.
† our core values state that we are trying to reach everyone… through the relationships God gives us. spend time today praying and asking God to show you how he wants to use you to better prepare the hearts of those he is bringing across your path.
posted by the E's at
5.1.06
1 Comments:
Father, thank You for the lives You allow us to touch. Thank You that You prepare our hearts to pour into Your people. help us to be responsible to accurately reflect Your love. help us move past the fear of rejection and into a love that cannot be silent. Father, remind us that it's not our job to convict - that's the Holy Spirit's job, and that is such a freeing truth. thank You that You do the "work" - You just call us to love. teach us how to do that better - to be accurate reflections of You.
Father, we love You, we praise Your holy name, and we ask these things in the name of Jesus. AMEN
By
ann, at 1.2.06
Post a Comment
<< Home