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Someone Has Plans For You
The Parable of the Sower (Matthew
13, Mark 4, Luke 8) is probably one of the most well-known
parables, especially since it is one of the few which Jesus
actually explained for us.
As with most of the parables, this
story is not about some nameless people somewhere. Rather, this
story is about us. Every person who has ever lived is in this
story. Further, within this story we see two competing opponents,
both of whom have plans for us. The question is, whose plans will
we follow?
We need to be aware that Satan has
plans for us. In fact, he has a three pronged attack. If one
doesn’t work, he will hurl the next one at us. Notice his plans
from the parable.
Satan’s
Plan A for each of us is to get us to Stay
Out of God’s kingdom. The wayside soil, from which the birds
come and pluck the seed represents this plan. If he can accomplish
this, then he has won the battle for our souls. He is working on
this through a great deal of propaganda. Even in churches today,
the word of God is not revered but mocked and twisted.
However, many have already overcome
this plan and have come into the kingdom.
Satan’s Plan B
for each of us is to get us to Drop
Out. This plan is represented by the rocky soil. These people
hear the word and obey it with great joy. But then Satan, by using
affliction or persecution gets the people to drop out of
the kingdom and they do not produce any fruit for God’s glory.
These are the ones that leave the church.
However, many get past this plan as
well, sticking with the kingdom.
Satan’s
Plan C for each of us is to get us to Fizzle
Out. The thorny and weedy soil represents this attempt. If he
can’t keep us out and get us to drop out, he will try to
distract us with worries, riches and pleasures. We may stay in the
kingdom, showing up to church and doing some things. However, we
are more focused on worldly things and are not really producing
mature fruit. This is the really dangerous plan because we can so
easily deceive ourselves.
However, God has plans for us as well,
represented by the good soil. Satan wants us to Stay
Out, Drop Out or Fizzle
Out. But God wants us to Come
In, Stay In and Grow Up.
When we do that we will produce fruit that glorifies God.
However, the only way we can accomplish
this is to get rid of the rocks and weeds in the garden. We have
to remove those things that keep us shallow and distracted from
God’s will. Further, we have to cultivate the ground with study,
prayer and time with other Christians.
Whose plans will you follow this week?
Edwin L. Crozier
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