The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard and nothing comes of it. The Message
At the beginning of this project, I committed to search my NIV translation for all of the verses that I could find about worry.
Along the way, I’m looking at worry in all its different forms – fear, stress, anxiety, trouble, etc. There’s a word search in the sidebar if you ever want to use it. Personally, I’ve found it pretty useful as I reflect on what I’ve learned so far.
But this morning, I found this verse in the Message translation, and the wording of it spoke to my heart.
This is Mark’s version of the Sermon on the Mount, and, I’ve not heard this concept put more succinctly, ever.
I love the phrase, “overwhelmed with worries.” Satan uses the tool of worry so effectively. He makes us believe that our worries are legitimate and overwhelming.
And, look at what the people in this verse are worried about, “all the things they have to do, and all the things they want to get.” How applicable is that in today’s world? We’ve created it … we’ve built so much in our society to perpetuate this constant need for things … clothing styles change every season, and every day this week I’ve gotten a new catalog in the mail with the latest furniture for my garden. Furniture for my garden? Really?
But, the most stunning part of this passage to me is, “The stress strangles what they heard and nothing comes of it.”
I’m going to meditate on that phrase today, “The stress strangles what they heard and nothing comes of it.” I don’t want to be that believer. In the name of Christ, I will not be that believer … I will be good ground, where the word can flourish in me and around me and a difference can be made for the kingdom of Heaven.
That’s my prayer today.
365 Days of Peace 