“To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.”
Matthew 13:12, 16 NLT
I can relate. As I was reading this, I felt the same way. It’s so easy to get caught up in fear and worry from this world and forget to Trust Him who is always able.
This might be way out of left field, but did anyone else read the parable of the sower and have it remind you of the final judgment on whether or not a person goes to heaven or hell?
Not really. Unfruitful Christians will make it into heaven, but their rewards will be few. Jesus paid it all on the cross. There is nothing else anyone needs to do. If we want a joy-filled life though we will walk with Him. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
15For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
Amen ! -ellie
I love the parable of the sower, as it reminds us how we must sow when reading and hearing the word to truly take it in and understand it, so when we act it is in accordance to the word.
Lord, let Matthew 13:12 be true of us: “ to those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge.”
I get behind and get caught up. Today I’m behind. But I hope you might come back here to read this little word of encouragement!! Welcome aboard!! I pray you stay hungry and returning for the delicious Word of God that is served up in this sweet program. It encourages me too whenever people post their thoughts!
I think the analogy of the tares in the wheat holds a key to why evil exists. In verse 29, the owner does not wish to uproot the good wheat with the tare. It is safer to do so after harvest. Likewise, God does not wish to uproot the good in the world with the evil. After all, He does bring good from even the worst situations. So we look forward to judgement day when all will finally be set right.
I just noticed something new about the parable of the sower. The seeds that fall on good soil have different yields. Some yield a hundredfold, others fifty fold, and still other thirty fold. I think this shows that God uses each of us in unique ways. Because of culture and society, I selfishly place one hundred over thirty. But I don’t think Jesus used the numbers to indicate overall value. God uses teachers to reach hundreds if not thousands of students. He also uses stay at home moms to invest in their children and families for His glory. God is so great and good and other!
I’ve never thought of it that! God doesn’t measure us and our abilities the same way we measure ourselves. I have been on a couple missions trips and plan to be a full time missionary once I’m done with school and sometimes I think people put me on a pedistal and think that I am so much better or more holy than they are when in reality I go through the same struggles and trials as they do.
Let’s try that one again!
What do you all think it means in 24.17 when it says ‘the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire…’?
It reminds me of the verses in Deuteronomy and Hebrews where it says ‘our God is a consuming fire’, but I’ve never been able to figure out what the writers are trying to say with that. Fire is destructive and dangerous, and I’ve never been able to reconcile that with a loving God.
So I think maybe fire is used to describe God because of how powerful and mighty fire is. Also, there are so many songs about God setting fire to our soul and the Holy Spirit doing the same. I also know that in Methodism, the flame is used along side the cross. It’s definitely a constant symbol in Christianity! I know that in the early parts of the bible God is described as fire because of his consuming all of the Israelites hearts and so they would worship no other gods. The fire is also a depiction of His wrath towards sin and especially the worship of other gods!
While God is loving He is also all powerful, all mighty, Just, All knowing, fierce. God is not a gentle God in the Old Testament. He is a God of Wrath and true judgement being poured down on those who do wrong. Not until the New Testament is Jesus described as the lamb of God, a much more gentle analogy.
I notice in Ex 23:25-36 that Jesus didn’t make these bodily safety kinds of promises, in fact he said we WILL suffer hardships, especially from carrying the Gospel.
Thinking back to those wayward times, perhaps the people of the time needed incentives to help them obey? Curses for sin and blessings for righteousness seems to be a mark of the old covenant. I guess to help hem them in to right living, right thinking?
We just don’t see that covenant operating today – earthly safety for following God and curses for our sins. Eg ‘serve God and you won’t miscarry’. But Christians are given a greater understanding of God in his word and his will and purpose and the glory that is to come. So we have hope based on the promise of forever restoration in heaven, knowing full well what we are striving towards and why we are striving towards it – and we also have the joy of living unshackled from the law.
Israelites had very little understanding of the afterlife I believe, and so did not have this incentive, and so needed earthly results. Notes I found Googling say:
”Traditional Judaism firmly believes that death is not the end of human existence. However, because Judaism is primarily focused on life here and now rather than on the afterlife, Judaism does not have much dogma about the afterlife…
Many scholars claim that belief in the afterlife is a teaching that developed late in Jewish history. It is true that the Torah emphasizes immediate, concrete, physical rewards and punishments rather than abstract future ones. See, for example, Lev. 26:3-9 and Deut. 11:13-15”
So much of Jesus’ and Paul’s teaching is trying to get the people to switch gears from this earthly mentality to an eternal mentality.
This challenges me that we can’t necessarily take promises from under the old covenant and apply them to our lives when we’re actually living under the new covenant. Or we might get disheartened and confused. This must be an example of how we can’t take Bible verses out of context and apply them directly to our lives like a band aid? Not without checking their context first and making sure we’re applying them properly first anyway. Always read the directions/instructions and all that :)
I can’t help but to relate Matthew 13 to today’s Church. I feel like the enemy has planted so many weeds among us, in attempt to weaken our harvest. In attempt to make Christians look like hypocrites because of the vast amount of seeds sown that are without root.
I pray that in 2016 , God really deepens our roots, and continues to set His harvest apart. That believers go and sow new seeds in the nations in Christ’s name, and that God makes His harvest abundant!
Thank you Father for igniting within Chelsea a desire to know you more and to experience the blessing of following You. Holy Spirit show her Your love for her and how Your ways are the way of Life! and Truth and Blessings beyond her imagination.
Hi all, Would you mind praying for me? I’ve been a Christian for a while but I’m really trying to make it a central part of my life that changes who I am and what I do. I really want to have a passion for God and pursue Him, but with a busy life sometimes it’s so much easier to be apathetic.
Give me one pure and holy passion, give me one magnificent obsession, give me one glorious ambition for my life, to know and follow hard after You, to grow as Your disciple in the truth, this world is empty pale and poor, compared to knowing You my Lord, lead me on and I will follow after You. (my prayer for you)
I love it how in verse 30 it says “little by little.” It makes me think of God’s plan and his promises. They don’t happen overnight, instead they happen in a long period of time. I’m so thankful for this. This is how our faith is built. I’m thankful that God is a father that guides our footsteps and let’s us fall when we stray away. It brings us to a point of perserverence. God uses our weakest points to bring us closer to him.
Anyone else noticed Exodus 24:9-11? in the previous chapter, they couldn’t even touch the foot of the mountain because of their sins and the Holiness of God.. in this chapter, the elders who climbed the mountain, “they were able to gaze at God, He did not destroy them, God even ate and drank with them”… is it because of the blood of the animal sacrifice that was thrown at them? they were able to come to the presence of the Holy God because of the animal’s blood that was shed for their sins! WHAT A FORESHADOWING OF JESUS’ SACRIFICE!!! i can boldly come to the presence of God NOW and FOREVER because Jesus already shed His blood for my sins!!! Hallelujah!!! :)
Yes!! So many parallels. EVEN WHILE the people were being given the law that condemned them, God was foreshadowing Jesus and that he would rescue them from the law and slavery to their sin
Cecylia I often take it as a reminder to pray for good soil. For myself, for my church. While I’m sure we can all falter to different soils, we can pray to have good soil and he will listen.
Yeah, our God is a releasing God, he is not confined within our conditions, boarders and man made religious facades. These scriptures remind me that we can get so caught up in the appearance of righteousness to others around us, ourselves and God who surpasses all understanding and sees straight through to the heart. It brings me peace to know that all God wants is my heart to be beating for him. And only him.
Anne Marie, yes we all go through periods of weariness, restlessness, anxiety, wildernesses, etc. However, I believe this is referring to when we get stuck in any of the unfruitful modes in the parables; it turns to doubt and unbelief because we open the door for satan to gain access.
21 yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.
I think we all tend to be a little like this sometimes, especially when it seems like God is nowhere to be found.
Jesus wants our full attention. In the OT it’s shown in the commandments to rest on Sabbath to abide in God. To love your enemy and your neighbour so that you can focus on God. And it’s then also shown in the NT where Jesus is telling us to become rooted in Him. To listen in order to abide in Him and not in the world. So both these passages are saying: look and abide in Jesus because he provides rest.
22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Wow…the WORRIES OF THIS LIFE. I have never related to this parable, feeling like I’m seed that fell on good soil. What conviction I feel after reading that passage. The worries of this life often choke the word and make me unfruitful indeed! I struggle with worry, anxiety, and trying to have control of everything. I have multiple verses bookmarked in my Bible about not worrying or giving our troubles and anxiety to the Lord and gaining his peace. But this verse pierced deep into my soul today. Ultimately, giving in to my worries makes me unfruitful. Lord, thank You for showing me how detrimental my worries and anxieties can be in my life. Thank you that I can give them up to you and have freedom. Please continue to teach me how to do this daily. Turn my unfruitfulness into great abundance for Your kingdom.
Christina I identify with what you have said! Also praying that I can be a seed growing on good soil and not let worries and stress distract me! Praying for you also x
In the Bible study I’m currently working on, which is called “open your Bible”, we just did a section on this parable. Before that day I would have been in the same camp where I thought I was good soil but as I’m more of an adult now, I realize that producing fruit and having a great harvest involves harvest of souls for God. Which proves to me that if I do not have a harvest of souls then I am probably not the best soil and I realize that I too am the soil with weeds that choke out what could/should happen as a follower of Jesus. Interesting how you can read the same thing many many times and understand it differently later. Also, a good reminder that we need to be reconciling the people around us to our God, that is our mission, not simply surviving.
I’m noticing a pattern with the number 40. Moses was on the mountain 40 days and nights, Israel wandered for 40 years, and Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. That must mean 40 is special or important some how but I don’t know why.
Hi Pam, that’s right! The number 40 usually refers to a period of testing, trial or probation in the Bible and it’ll show up several times again when we continue to read through the Scripture. When you pay a little attention to the numbers, you’ll find a lot of them and it can help to understand the story line of the Bible! I encourage you to look the meaning of biblical numbers up :)
All I can think of is how grateful I am Jesus came along, obeyed His Father’s will, leading to the creation of the New Testament! There are way too many laws that I would ~never~ be able to follow! I have a hard time understanding God’s grace, forgiveness & deep love for me… Can’t imagine living by the “law”.
23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Lord may my heart be good ground that hearth the word and understandeth. May it bearereth fruit!
there’s a lovely little hymn, “Lord Let my Heart Be Good Soil,” open to the seed of your word, where love can grow and peace is understood. When my heart is hard, break the stone away. When my heart is cold, warm it with the day. When my heart is lost, lead me on your way. Lord, let my heart be good soil.
Matthew 13:30 talks about storing the good wheat in the barn while the weeds are burned. This is such a strong depiction of heaven and hell. It makes me so thankful for God’s mercy and grace!
Thank you ladies for sharing your wisdom here. I hadn’t noticed on my first read of Exodus vs 29-30 how applicable it is to my current struggle until I read some of the commentary here about it. Very much appreciated!
I’m finishing up the third book of the Mark of The Lion trilogy by Francine Rivers (highly recommend!) and this passage from Matthew came up and what was said was that all we can do is spread the seeds and the good news and whether it falls on rocks, thorns or good soil is up to the Lord.
Amen! I haven’t read that series yet, but I really enjoy Francine River’s books. She is such a gifted and anointed writer. I’m reading “Redeeming Love” right now.
29 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.
These verses remind me that God is a God process. Little by little He enables us to have victory over the things that steal our joy and peace. I get impatient and just want to conquer everything but God knows what we can handle. I am so thankful that He is leading on this journey.
I noticed a foreshadow of the sabbath in Exodus 23 and how Jesus came for the poor at heart, the broken and how we can take up His yoke and find rest in him. All of our desires, our needs will be fulfilled. Let us gather from His field.
10 “For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, 11 but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what is left. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove.
How crazy would it be if every 7th year God told you and your family to stop working and depend on Him like this?! They literally could not work the land for a year and depended on God to work the land for them to provide food. I love what you said about finding your rest in Him. This challenges me to find rest in God and believe He will provide what I need for the day.
I know that allowing the field to grow over the 7th year helped replenish the soil of it nutrients. Many farmers do this type of crop rotation so that they may continue to have a good harvest.
Kristin, I loved that part also! How awesome that God cares about the poor (even the animals!), and reminds us how important it is for us to do so too. It is challenging just the same! The world has such a strong hold on making me feel “I need this and that”… And really, I don’t. If were not to buy another thing for 40 years, I would be fine. Being content where we are at, with what we have, is a struggle & requires balance for sure! Constantly convicted about this.
“Little by Little” Til you take possession. They must conquer. But this is an Inheritance. A free gift. Little By Little. Learning to be trusting souls. Exo 23:30
I’m so glad for you Bee! And you are welcome to ask as many questions as you want! We all share what is on our heart in this wonderful fellowship of women :)
Questions are awesome! We all have questions no matter where we are in our walk with God. I love this community of women who aren’t afraid to ask questions and do the best we can to find the answers together.
Glad I am in a season where I can sit and get into God’s word once again. Loved Exodus 24- beautiful seeing that we can relax and enjoy God’s presence and how overwhelming His glory is. In exodus 23 seeing that God promises to send His angel armies before us. This is comforting as I am no longer rushing to get into the next stage of life, God protects us and we don’t even know it. Tying in perfectly with Matthew 13- the tempter tried to steal God’s Word from me, tried to persecute me because of the Word and then tried to deceive me with riches. And because God is faithful, I’m so excited to bear much more fruit :)
Hey Lauren. I read a commentary about this parable a while back. Basically when we see people progressing ahead of us who aren’t abiding in God’s truth we shouldn’t be discouraged or annoyed but know that God is just and we are in His garden. And so when the time comes, He will uproot those who don’t truly belong to Him.
Barbara Brown Taylor has published a book of her sermons entitled, Bread of Angels. The one called “Why the Boss Said No” offers incredible insight into this parable. We are the wheat and we are to live among the weeds for a time. it seems logical that the workers should pull up the weeds, but no. Our job as wheat is to live in a mixed field, not to give in to the enemy by devoting our energy to the destruction of the weeds. As in the previous parable, we are to devote our energy to the reconciliation of the world by shining God’s love. God will take care of the weeds at harvest. As far as I’m concerned, I can’t always tell the difference between wheat and weeds anyway – that’s better left to the expert!
Lauren, basically believers (eternity in heaven) unbelievers (eternity in hell)…harvest time=after judgment rewards (wheat for Saints) or damnation (in the eternal lake of fire for unsaved).
V20-21 “The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word & immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, & when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away”. I think this probably describes many who claim to know God. They hear the Gospel, and get caught up in the moment, and make an emotional decision without really understanding what they are being saved from (or saved to). So then when troubles arise they fall away because the happiness/emotional fervor/”high” has faded. But this falling away only proves that they never knew God to begin with. He will not let His (true) children go!
Exodus 24:18 – so Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up into the mountain. — Gods glory is in the darkness. But we have to be willing to let go of our fear of isolation, fog, and the unknown to grasp it. SO MOSES WENT. I want that said about me. That God called and despite the uncertainty of where He’s calling me from/into – SO SHERI WENT. Moses had built a relationship with the Lord at this point- he no longer questions- he’s no longer afraid- he’s comfortable letting the Lord guide Him. I pray for that comfort in my own relationship with the Lord. Where the questions stop and I just go.
I love Exodus 23:30- Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land. ** I always want everything overnight. Let me wake up tomorrow to fresh blessings and brand new starts and dreams come true. But the Lord doesn’t work that way. For He knows “lest the land become desolate…the beasts of the field too numerous for you”. His slow unfolding plans are for our benefit. So that we are not overtaken but so that we can slowly adjust to the newness of it all.
“To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.”
Matthew 13:12, 16 NLT
Be a good soil, so His words will bear fruits in you
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Justice sometimes seems far away from the heart of Gods people
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“all the words that the Lord has spoken we will do and we will be obedient”
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Sometimes I feel like a seed planted almond thorns. I’m learning to trust God so I won’t be choked by worry
I can relate. As I was reading this, I felt the same way. It’s so easy to get caught up in fear and worry from this world and forget to Trust Him who is always able.
This might be way out of left field, but did anyone else read the parable of the sower and have it remind you of the final judgment on whether or not a person goes to heaven or hell?
That is exactly what I was thinking especially the last two verses of what we read.
I didn’t at first, but after seeing your comment and going back and re-reading, I think your right!
Not really. Unfruitful Christians will make it into heaven, but their rewards will be few. Jesus paid it all on the cross. There is nothing else anyone needs to do. If we want a joy-filled life though we will walk with Him. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
I completely agree with you Brooke, I think that is exactly what it is talking about.
15For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
Amen ! -ellie
We have seen and heard what the prophets longed for, even those who saw the glory of God at the foot of mount Sinai!
I love the parable of the sower, as it reminds us how we must sow when reading and hearing the word to truly take it in and understand it, so when we act it is in accordance to the word.
Lord, let Matthew 13:12 be true of us: “ to those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge.”
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This was my first full read! I’m new and already loving this! 364 days to go! Amen!
I get behind and get caught up. Today I’m behind. But I hope you might come back here to read this little word of encouragement!! Welcome aboard!! I pray you stay hungry and returning for the delicious Word of God that is served up in this sweet program. It encourages me too whenever people post their thoughts!
I think the analogy of the tares in the wheat holds a key to why evil exists. In verse 29, the owner does not wish to uproot the good wheat with the tare. It is safer to do so after harvest. Likewise, God does not wish to uproot the good in the world with the evil. After all, He does bring good from even the worst situations. So we look forward to judgement day when all will finally be set right.
Huh. That actually helped me understand that a bit more! Thanks Rebecca!
Jesus explains it a few verses later, and that’s pretty much what he says it means!
these lat few days I have been struggling but these verses have helped!
I just noticed something new about the parable of the sower. The seeds that fall on good soil have different yields. Some yield a hundredfold, others fifty fold, and still other thirty fold. I think this shows that God uses each of us in unique ways. Because of culture and society, I selfishly place one hundred over thirty. But I don’t think Jesus used the numbers to indicate overall value. God uses teachers to reach hundreds if not thousands of students. He also uses stay at home moms to invest in their children and families for His glory. God is so great and good and other!
I’ve never thought of it that! God doesn’t measure us and our abilities the same way we measure ourselves. I have been on a couple missions trips and plan to be a full time missionary once I’m done with school and sometimes I think people put me on a pedistal and think that I am so much better or more holy than they are when in reality I go through the same struggles and trials as they do.
Let’s try that one again!
What do you all think it means in 24.17 when it says ‘the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire…’?
It reminds me of the verses in Deuteronomy and Hebrews where it says ‘our God is a consuming fire’, but I’ve never been able to figure out what the writers are trying to say with that. Fire is destructive and dangerous, and I’ve never been able to reconcile that with a loving God.
So I think maybe fire is used to describe God because of how powerful and mighty fire is. Also, there are so many songs about God setting fire to our soul and the Holy Spirit doing the same. I also know that in Methodism, the flame is used along side the cross. It’s definitely a constant symbol in Christianity! I know that in the early parts of the bible God is described as fire because of his consuming all of the Israelites hearts and so they would worship no other gods. The fire is also a depiction of His wrath towards sin and especially the worship of other gods!
While God is loving He is also all powerful, all mighty, Just, All knowing, fierce. God is not a gentle God in the Old Testament. He is a God of Wrath and true judgement being poured down on those who do wrong. Not until the New Testament is Jesus described as the lamb of God, a much more gentle analogy.
What do you all think it means in 24.17 when it says ddevouring fire’ on the top of the mountpeoIsrael.
I agree that this is an amazing app. Truly a blessing to read with all of you.
so glad to have found this app! I’ve looked for so long in facebook to find a group of ladies to read with. Praise God!
Amen!
I notice in Ex 23:25-36 that Jesus didn’t make these bodily safety kinds of promises, in fact he said we WILL suffer hardships, especially from carrying the Gospel.
Thinking back to those wayward times, perhaps the people of the time needed incentives to help them obey? Curses for sin and blessings for righteousness seems to be a mark of the old covenant. I guess to help hem them in to right living, right thinking?
We just don’t see that covenant operating today – earthly safety for following God and curses for our sins. Eg ‘serve God and you won’t miscarry’. But Christians are given a greater understanding of God in his word and his will and purpose and the glory that is to come. So we have hope based on the promise of forever restoration in heaven, knowing full well what we are striving towards and why we are striving towards it – and we also have the joy of living unshackled from the law.
Israelites had very little understanding of the afterlife I believe, and so did not have this incentive, and so needed earthly results. Notes I found Googling say:
”Traditional Judaism firmly believes that death is not the end of human existence. However, because Judaism is primarily focused on life here and now rather than on the afterlife, Judaism does not have much dogma about the afterlife…
Many scholars claim that belief in the afterlife is a teaching that developed late in Jewish history. It is true that the Torah emphasizes immediate, concrete, physical rewards and punishments rather than abstract future ones. See, for example, Lev. 26:3-9 and Deut. 11:13-15”
So much of Jesus’ and Paul’s teaching is trying to get the people to switch gears from this earthly mentality to an eternal mentality.
This challenges me that we can’t necessarily take promises from under the old covenant and apply them to our lives when we’re actually living under the new covenant. Or we might get disheartened and confused. This must be an example of how we can’t take Bible verses out of context and apply them directly to our lives like a band aid? Not without checking their context first and making sure we’re applying them properly first anyway. Always read the directions/instructions and all that :)
Hope I’m talking sense! Sorry for the essay!
Amen!
I can’t help but to relate Matthew 13 to today’s Church. I feel like the enemy has planted so many weeds among us, in attempt to weaken our harvest. In attempt to make Christians look like hypocrites because of the vast amount of seeds sown that are without root.
I pray that in 2016 , God really deepens our roots, and continues to set His harvest apart. That believers go and sow new seeds in the nations in Christ’s name, and that God makes His harvest abundant!
Thank you Father for igniting within Chelsea a desire to know you more and to experience the blessing of following You. Holy Spirit show her Your love for her and how Your ways are the way of Life! and Truth and Blessings beyond her imagination.
Hi all, Would you mind praying for me? I’ve been a Christian for a while but I’m really trying to make it a central part of my life that changes who I am and what I do. I really want to have a passion for God and pursue Him, but with a busy life sometimes it’s so much easier to be apathetic.
Praying for you right now, Chelsea!
Awesome and refreshingly honest prayer request Chlesea! I’ll be praying for you!
Give me one pure and holy passion, give me one magnificent obsession, give me one glorious ambition for my life, to know and follow hard after You, to grow as Your disciple in the truth, this world is empty pale and poor, compared to knowing You my Lord, lead me on and I will follow after You. (my prayer for you)
Thank you everybody!!
I love it how in verse 30 it says “little by little.” It makes me think of God’s plan and his promises. They don’t happen overnight, instead they happen in a long period of time. I’m so thankful for this. This is how our faith is built. I’m thankful that God is a father that guides our footsteps and let’s us fall when we stray away. It brings us to a point of perserverence. God uses our weakest points to bring us closer to him.
Anyone else noticed Exodus 24:9-11? in the previous chapter, they couldn’t even touch the foot of the mountain because of their sins and the Holiness of God.. in this chapter, the elders who climbed the mountain, “they were able to gaze at God, He did not destroy them, God even ate and drank with them”… is it because of the blood of the animal sacrifice that was thrown at them? they were able to come to the presence of the Holy God because of the animal’s blood that was shed for their sins! WHAT A FORESHADOWING OF JESUS’ SACRIFICE!!! i can boldly come to the presence of God NOW and FOREVER because Jesus already shed His blood for my sins!!! Hallelujah!!! :)
What great insight. Thank you for sharing this. Totally opened my eyes.
Yes!! So many parallels. EVEN WHILE the people were being given the law that condemned them, God was foreshadowing Jesus and that he would rescue them from the law and slavery to their sin
Just like they had just been rescued from slavery in Egypt
Cecylia I often take it as a reminder to pray for good soil. For myself, for my church. While I’m sure we can all falter to different soils, we can pray to have good soil and he will listen.
The parable of the sower is a story that often convicts me. Just what kind of soil am I?
Yeah, our God is a releasing God, he is not confined within our conditions, boarders and man made religious facades. These scriptures remind me that we can get so caught up in the appearance of righteousness to others around us, ourselves and God who surpasses all understanding and sees straight through to the heart. It brings me peace to know that all God wants is my heart to be beating for him. And only him.
Working through this study, I am striving to understand as much as I can, so it can not be stolen from me
Anne Marie, yes we all go through periods of weariness, restlessness, anxiety, wildernesses, etc. However, I believe this is referring to when we get stuck in any of the unfruitful modes in the parables; it turns to doubt and unbelief because we open the door for satan to gain access.
21 yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.
I think we all tend to be a little like this sometimes, especially when it seems like God is nowhere to be found.
“Little by Little” they must conquer. A free Inheritance. Exo 23:30. The Promised Land. Learning to be trusting souls.
Jesus wants our full attention. In the OT it’s shown in the commandments to rest on Sabbath to abide in God. To love your enemy and your neighbour so that you can focus on God. And it’s then also shown in the NT where Jesus is telling us to become rooted in Him. To listen in order to abide in Him and not in the world. So both these passages are saying: look and abide in Jesus because he provides rest.
22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Wow…the WORRIES OF THIS LIFE. I have never related to this parable, feeling like I’m seed that fell on good soil. What conviction I feel after reading that passage. The worries of this life often choke the word and make me unfruitful indeed! I struggle with worry, anxiety, and trying to have control of everything. I have multiple verses bookmarked in my Bible about not worrying or giving our troubles and anxiety to the Lord and gaining his peace. But this verse pierced deep into my soul today. Ultimately, giving in to my worries makes me unfruitful. Lord, thank You for showing me how detrimental my worries and anxieties can be in my life. Thank you that I can give them up to you and have freedom. Please continue to teach me how to do this daily. Turn my unfruitfulness into great abundance for Your kingdom.
Great insight, Christina!
Christina I identify with what you have said! Also praying that I can be a seed growing on good soil and not let worries and stress distract me! Praying for you also x
Thank you so much Lauren. I am so thankful for this community!
I’m so behind with this but I prayed the same thing. That verse really struck me today
In the Bible study I’m currently working on, which is called “open your Bible”, we just did a section on this parable. Before that day I would have been in the same camp where I thought I was good soil but as I’m more of an adult now, I realize that producing fruit and having a great harvest involves harvest of souls for God. Which proves to me that if I do not have a harvest of souls then I am probably not the best soil and I realize that I too am the soil with weeds that choke out what could/should happen as a follower of Jesus. Interesting how you can read the same thing many many times and understand it differently later. Also, a good reminder that we need to be reconciling the people around us to our God, that is our mission, not simply surviving.
I’m noticing a pattern with the number 40. Moses was on the mountain 40 days and nights, Israel wandered for 40 years, and Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. That must mean 40 is special or important some how but I don’t know why.
Hi Pam, that’s right! The number 40 usually refers to a period of testing, trial or probation in the Bible and it’ll show up several times again when we continue to read through the Scripture. When you pay a little attention to the numbers, you’ll find a lot of them and it can help to understand the story line of the Bible! I encourage you to look the meaning of biblical numbers up :)
All I can think of is how grateful I am Jesus came along, obeyed His Father’s will, leading to the creation of the New Testament! There are way too many laws that I would ~never~ be able to follow! I have a hard time understanding God’s grace, forgiveness & deep love for me… Can’t imagine living by the “law”.
23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Lord may my heart be good ground that hearth the word and understandeth. May it bearereth fruit!
there’s a lovely little hymn, “Lord Let my Heart Be Good Soil,” open to the seed of your word, where love can grow and peace is understood. When my heart is hard, break the stone away. When my heart is cold, warm it with the day. When my heart is lost, lead me on your way. Lord, let my heart be good soil.
Thank you so much! I’m excited to start this journey! Much love xxxx
Matthew 13:30 talks about storing the good wheat in the barn while the weeds are burned. This is such a strong depiction of heaven and hell. It makes me so thankful for God’s mercy and grace!
Thank you ladies for sharing your wisdom here. I hadn’t noticed on my first read of Exodus vs 29-30 how applicable it is to my current struggle until I read some of the commentary here about it. Very much appreciated!
I’m finishing up the third book of the Mark of The Lion trilogy by Francine Rivers (highly recommend!) and this passage from Matthew came up and what was said was that all we can do is spread the seeds and the good news and whether it falls on rocks, thorns or good soil is up to the Lord.
Amen! That is so true about this parable. And The Mark of the Lion series is one of my favorites! I was rereading A Voice in the Wind last night :)
Amen! I haven’t read that series yet, but I really enjoy Francine River’s books. She is such a gifted and anointed writer. I’m reading “Redeeming Love” right now.
“Redeeming Love” is one of my favorites!! I’ve read it at least 8 times and get something new out of it every time I read it! Enjoy!
29 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.
These verses remind me that God is a God process. Little by little He enables us to have victory over the things that steal our joy and peace. I get impatient and just want to conquer everything but God knows what we can handle. I am so thankful that He is leading on this journey.
I saw that too! It wasn’t an “all at once” victory.
I noticed a foreshadow of the sabbath in Exodus 23 and how Jesus came for the poor at heart, the broken and how we can take up His yoke and find rest in him. All of our desires, our needs will be fulfilled. Let us gather from His field.
10 “For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, 11 but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what is left. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove.
thanks for sharing that insight, Kristin. I didn’t see that, but now I do.
How crazy would it be if every 7th year God told you and your family to stop working and depend on Him like this?! They literally could not work the land for a year and depended on God to work the land for them to provide food. I love what you said about finding your rest in Him. This challenges me to find rest in God and believe He will provide what I need for the day.
I know that allowing the field to grow over the 7th year helped replenish the soil of it nutrients. Many farmers do this type of crop rotation so that they may continue to have a good harvest.
Kristin, I loved that part also! How awesome that God cares about the poor (even the animals!), and reminds us how important it is for us to do so too. It is challenging just the same! The world has such a strong hold on making me feel “I need this and that”… And really, I don’t. If were not to buy another thing for 40 years, I would be fine. Being content where we are at, with what we have, is a struggle & requires balance for sure! Constantly convicted about this.
Deep thought! Thanks for cortuibnting.
Hi. I downloaded this app this morning. I am exploring my faith more and I want to get closer to God. I may be here asking a few questions! Sorry!!
welcome Bee! please don’t apologize. we are all here to help each other.
Glad you’re here! There’s a lot of questions going around so you are in good company! :)
“Little by Little” Til you take possession. They must conquer. But this is an Inheritance. A free gift. Little By Little. Learning to be trusting souls. Exo 23:30
I’m so glad for you Bee! And you are welcome to ask as many questions as you want! We all share what is on our heart in this wonderful fellowship of women :)
Welcome Bee! :) Excited to have you join us. We all need help and encouragement. No need to apologize!
Questions are awesome! We all have questions no matter where we are in our walk with God. I love this community of women who aren’t afraid to ask questions and do the best we can to find the answers together.
Glad I am in a season where I can sit and get into God’s word once again. Loved Exodus 24- beautiful seeing that we can relax and enjoy God’s presence and how overwhelming His glory is. In exodus 23 seeing that God promises to send His angel armies before us. This is comforting as I am no longer rushing to get into the next stage of life, God protects us and we don’t even know it. Tying in perfectly with Matthew 13- the tempter tried to steal God’s Word from me, tried to persecute me because of the Word and then tried to deceive me with riches. And because God is faithful, I’m so excited to bear much more fruit :)
I’m a little confused by the last parable – can someone explain?
Hey Lauren. I read a commentary about this parable a while back. Basically when we see people progressing ahead of us who aren’t abiding in God’s truth we shouldn’t be discouraged or annoyed but know that God is just and we are in His garden. And so when the time comes, He will uproot those who don’t truly belong to Him.
Thank you! That was very helpful :)
Barbara Brown Taylor has published a book of her sermons entitled, Bread of Angels. The one called “Why the Boss Said No” offers incredible insight into this parable. We are the wheat and we are to live among the weeds for a time. it seems logical that the workers should pull up the weeds, but no. Our job as wheat is to live in a mixed field, not to give in to the enemy by devoting our energy to the destruction of the weeds. As in the previous parable, we are to devote our energy to the reconciliation of the world by shining God’s love. God will take care of the weeds at harvest. As far as I’m concerned, I can’t always tell the difference between wheat and weeds anyway – that’s better left to the expert!
Love this! Thanks for sharing, very helpful.
Thanks! Your insight was really helpful.
Well said! Thank you!
Thanks you for sharing! So helpful in shedding some light on that passage!
Wonderful Words Spoken!!!
This was so helpful!!
So helpful! Thank you!
I love this explanation…thanks for sharing!
Lauren, basically believers (eternity in heaven) unbelievers (eternity in hell)…harvest time=after judgment rewards (wheat for Saints) or damnation (in the eternal lake of fire for unsaved).
V20-21 “The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word & immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, & when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away”. I think this probably describes many who claim to know God. They hear the Gospel, and get caught up in the moment, and make an emotional decision without really understanding what they are being saved from (or saved to). So then when troubles arise they fall away because the happiness/emotional fervor/”high” has faded. But this falling away only proves that they never knew God to begin with. He will not let His (true) children go!
Exodus 24:18 – so Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up into the mountain. — Gods glory is in the darkness. But we have to be willing to let go of our fear of isolation, fog, and the unknown to grasp it. SO MOSES WENT. I want that said about me. That God called and despite the uncertainty of where He’s calling me from/into – SO SHERI WENT. Moses had built a relationship with the Lord at this point- he no longer questions- he’s no longer afraid- he’s comfortable letting the Lord guide Him. I pray for that comfort in my own relationship with the Lord. Where the questions stop and I just go.
Love your insight Sheri!!
Thanks for sharing that Sheri x
Yes! Love this, Sheri.
I love Exodus 23:30- Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land. ** I always want everything overnight. Let me wake up tomorrow to fresh blessings and brand new starts and dreams come true. But the Lord doesn’t work that way. For He knows “lest the land become desolate…the beasts of the field too numerous for you”. His slow unfolding plans are for our benefit. So that we are not overtaken but so that we can slowly adjust to the newness of it all.
Great right! I have the tendency to want to run ahead as well. But over the past week God has shown me that He is protecting me.
Great thoughts Sheri! His timing is just right because He knows what is best for us.
Yes! This verse stood out to me too. So good!