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Pastor Beal

CROP REPORT (Cont'd)

"...seeing, see not; and hearing they hear
not, neither do they understand." Matt. 13:13

Last week we addressed the first two types of ground, found in Matt. 13. This week we will cover the last two. The third ground mentioned in vs. 7, is the ground with thorns. We are told that this seed sprouted, but was in the midst of thorns, which choked out the life of the plant. In vs. 22 we are clearly shown what Jesus is talking about when he refers to thorns. Thorns are "the cares of this world", and "the deceitfulness of riches". This is referring to those who make a profession, and start to grow in the Word, but soon place the things of this world before the work of the Lord. In Matt. 6:31, God warns us about getting wrapped up in the shallow things of life, like food, clothing, and shelter. Yet, as we look around at God's church today, it is suffering because of Christians failing to heed God's instruction. People are focused on the basics of life, while forgetting to live for God and trust His ways to provide and satisfy. Then we have the false hopes that riches send to the greedy heart. Let's look now at the fourth ground that the seed (Word of God) fell on. In vs. 8 we find the good ground. Here we find the ground that receives the seed and grows into a maturing and fruitful life. In vs. 23, we find that this is the heart that hears, sees, and understands the Word of God. Some hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty we are told. This parable is a real lesson for God's sowers of the Word to realize that the seed was good, yet three out of four hearts will not bear fruit consistently. Let's be faithful witnesses of God's Word and remember to sow, water, and wait upon the Lord to give the increase. How would God say you are receiving His Word?

Thanks! Pastor Earl Beal