Jesus brings Good News of the Kingdom of God to the folks who love Him. Through His words hearts link with His heart. We love Him and He's telling us in clear imagery how this world works best. Blessings reside within God's Kingdom. God's Kingdom is in our hearts!
Jesus gives us Good News in parable form: : 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. 6 Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. 7 Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. 8 Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.” As He said this, He called out, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!”
We're listening intently as He explains His parable. 11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. 14 As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. 15 But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance. Luke 8:5-8, 11-15
The seed is the Word of God-- Jesus' Presence given to us through the Holy Spirit and Jesus words offered to us through Scriptures. Jesus is the Sower. The seed has been sown in your heart and the question is this: Do you still have it? Asked because the devil can come and take it out of your heart, or you may have been tested and your heart was not rooted with true faith in Jesus Christ, or cares and riches and pleasures have prevented the Fruit of the Kingdom from maturing.
Fruits are our Christian characteristics. Paul highlights for us the virtues of Christian character: 'By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.' Galatians 5:22-23. The fruits come to us by habitual practice and prayerful living.
Each of us may be the ones who 'heart the Word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.' We live in a world whose emphasis is not on patient endurance but on quick and fast results no matter what the cost to the soul. Do not be fooled by the world. Jesus Way, given to us by His words and by the living example of His life, death and Resurrection, is best. Discipleship to Him is not for the faint of heart. Choose patient endurance. Holy Spirit will aid you.
