In last Sunday’s text (Mark 3:22-33), Jesus announced His verdict for those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit. The Scribes have hardened their hearts and refused to repent. Jesus announced, therefore, that there was no repentance for them, given they had rejected the Holy Spirit Who reveals God and in Whose power repentance is granted. This Sunday, Jesus explains how this rejection of the gospel works with the parable of the sower and the seeds (Mark 4:1-20).
This parable explains what happens in the human heart when we hear God’s truth: (1) we can hear it but ignore it; (2) we can hear it but it doesn’t take root; (3) we can hear it and have it choked up by the cares of life; or (4) we can hear God’s Word and dig in.
The gospel of Jesus grows best in hearts set aside completely unto God. The problem is, our flesh does not want God. So how do we embrace the gospel? God opens our hearts through the Holy Spirit. When we respond, our hearts begin to want what God wants and God, in return, multiplies our lives with rich abundance (vv. 9, 20). So kingdom life begins by allowing God’s seed, His Word, to grow in us, setting us up for true happiness.
Praying with you,
Pastor Briant