SCRIPTURE: Luke 8:1-15

OBSERVATION:
The first part of this section shows the women responding to Jesus, and we should keep in mind that women were second-class citizens at that time. A sure sign again that Jesus was not focussed on the “great” but the “small” (in the world’s eyes). His message, like seed, was spread indiscriminately, but depending on where the seed landed, it only grew well in some places. These women had receptive hearts (good soil) and they were producing a harvest (supporting Jesus and His disciples). Jesus uses simple stories like this to fluster the so-called important and wise ones. To me the story does not seem complicated, yet the worldly wise will not get it, or accept it. The basic point is that the message goes out to many, but for many it does not take root. Satan, the cares of this world, shallow roots, these are all examples of things that stifle and prevent the seed from growing deep and tall and fruitful.

APPLICATION:
So what are the things that keep me from growing deep and tall and fruitful? Where is Satan stealing from me, where am I shallow, where am I distracted by the cares and riches of this world? If I think through all that the Lord has blessed me with, and the potential that I have for the Lord based on what He has entrusted to me, then I feel like I am unfruitful, or at least not fruitful to my potential. I am letting things stifle and hinder the seed from producing in me. As I reflect on my first 40 years, and wonder how many more remain for me, I realize that although I have done good things, I am capable of so much more. No sense looking back in regret, the question is, what will I do from now on? Will I produce a great harvest for the Lord, will His message be more fruitful in me?

PRAYER:
Lord, help me to feel uncomfortable enough about my weak harvest so that I will not despair or be hindered by regret, but that I will be agitated enough to make changes. I can be more fruitful, if I will let go of the cares and riches of this world. Amen.