Every child loves a good story. Truth is, adults do as well. That's why some of the best songs and most popular movies are the ones with the strongest stories. Jesus made extensive use of stories, called parables, but not for the purpose of entertaining. In chapter 13 we see eight of these parables but Christ makes it clear the purpose for these stories was to enlighten those who truly desired to follow Him. Jesus intentionally did not always "connect the dots" of His stories--at least not with the masses. He gave them something to think about, something they would have to sort out on their own if they were truly interested. As Jesus illustrates here with the parable of the sower and the seeds, people react differently to God's word. Some immediately reject it. Some initially are excited about it but never let it take root in their lives. Others let it take root, but allow worldly interests to kill their fruitfulness. Then there are those who not only hear the word and let it take root, but they bear fruit. Are you like the masses who hear what God says but never really take it to heart? Or are you like the disciples who really wanted to understand and internalize Christ's teachings? When you read something in the Bible that you don't understand do you just dismiss it and move on? Or do you ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and then dig a little deeper? The Bible doesn't tell stories just for the sake of providing interesting reading. It tells stories so that God can reveal Himself to us and our lives can be changed.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please share this blog with your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.
