Devotion - Wednesday, January 21

This morning I read Mark's version of the parable of the soils.  (Mark 4:1-20)  He speaks of the seed being spread, where it falls, and the results.  He then shares with the disciples the meaning of the parable.

The seed that fell on the path is quickly eaten by birds.  He compares this to the devil snatching away the word.

The seed that fell on rocky soil has not root, so it dies when the sun comes up.  He compares this to those who eagerly accept the word, but have not depth, so they wither.

The seed among thorns grows, but the thorns choke them.  Compared to those who allow the concerns of the world to crowd out their devotion to God.

The seed on good soil produces.  Compared to those who hear, take to heart, and follow.

Now - here is what I want to say.  Without being accusing, I want to ask you to consider what type best describes you?  Without being blaming, I want to share that I have the same conversation over and over.  In that conversation, there is a tremendous amount of interest in the Bible and in theology.  But when the conversation is over, it seems to be completely over.  And there does not appear to be follow up by way of a change in action.  There isn't evidence of increased attention to spiritual matters or more time reading one's bible.

I am not trying to place a guilt trip on anyone.  Really, I am not. I am wanting to be a servant.  And it seems that the service I ought to offer is to ask you to consider your soil type, and then decided if that is both an accurate description of where you are - and - if that is where you want to remain.

I am more than happy to sit with you for 30 minutes or an hour and share what I have discovered through my study and reflection.  I am more than happy to try, in those brief encounters, to help you learn as much as you possibly can.  But if you know you are the rocky soil or the soil infested with weeds, then just tell me that so I won't treat you as if you were the soil opened and ready for the seed.  I won't disrespect you by failing to acknowledge you for whom you intend to be.

Read Mark 4.  

The only way to express that part of us which is the good soil is to act like good soil.  It means committing to reading your bible.  It means talking with another about what you have read.  It means time spent in reflection and meditation.