Sown Among Thorns

Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word. Mark 4:18

Mark chapter four is the Parable of the Sower. As I have been listening to various news media over the last few days - this is apparently the scripture that was being studied that faithful night. I must admit, I was in disbelief when I first heard the news of the tragic shooting in Charleston, SC. I was shaken to the core, how could this be happening in 2015? I felt as if I were placed in a time warp and transported back to the 1960's to relive a similar event.

The strength and faith of the families affected took the nation by surprise and off guard - pleasantly. The power of faith and love in the midst of such a horrible, overwhelming tragedy - crippled evil. The love and forgiveness shown in that courtroom could only come from a deep abiding relationship with the Savior. What the enemy meant to harm and destroy, God is using for His good and His glory. This event, I believe, will open the eyes of the nation; the scales of indifference and complacency are being removed.

2 Corinthians 4:4 - Satan is a great deceiver and has blinded the eyes of those who don't or refuse to believe. The enemy, Satan, keeps people blinded to the truth of the gospel. Even in the midst of this tragedy we continue to see the hand and power of God. Similar incidences in the recent past, spurred violence and destruction; this incidence has brought the community together like no other.

Humanly speaking those families should have been angry, bitter, and seeking revenge. But with God's power, they displayed "Christ's Love" - they exemplify what a true Christ-Follower looks like.

Look again at the scripture they were studying that night - "the seed fell among the thorns." The young man heard the word but because of his plotting, it couldn't take root. As Christ-Followers, we must put God first ahead of all the busyness of life. A life packed with worldly, selfish pursuits crowds out God's Word and leaves us unfruitful. We must actively quiet ourselves so we can hear God when He speaks.

So, lets examine and/or re-examine ourselves - where are we in our walk and relationship with the Lord? It's time to stop playing church and "Be the Church." Let's be the good soil as in Mark 4:20. Let's be hearers, doers and producers of fruit - an abundant harvest - because the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.

John 8:12 says the Jesus is the Light of the World. Let His Light shine through you (and me).

We become like those we follow...Luke 6:40