02 February 2008

Mark 4 - Seeds

As you have doubtless caught on, I'm reading Mark these days!

I was reflecting on the parable of the sower in mark 4 and thinking that the second and third seeds are precise opposites. The first is the seed on the path which Satan steals. The second is seed on the rocky ground, which doesn't survive difficulties. The third is seed around which thorns come up. The last seed is fruitful.

The second seed is fruitless because of difficulty; the third seed is fruitless because of ease. One is barren due to "afflictions and persecutions," the other due to "the cares of this world."

It is not difficult for me to recognize which of these is a greater personal danger.

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