The Robbers (Matthew 13 - P 31)

What makes a stellar teacher?  Is the best teacher the one with the most information?  Or is it the one who is most creative and clever?  Or perhaps the one who is most entertaining and engaging?  We all have our own opinions on the traits that signify a good teacher.  But history bears out the fact that Jesus is considered one of the stellar teachers of all times.  I believe that one of the reasons he carries such accolades is because of the way he presented truth ... never spoon-fed ... always challenging ... always forcing his 'hearers' to wrestle with the information ... to discern the 'lesson' if they were willing to open their hearts and minds to the truth presented.  One of his primary teaching methods was through the use of parables.  As we begin Matthew 13, we begin to read example after example of his use of parables.  One thing we must remember as we begin to read them ... a parable is not like an allegory.  A parable has one primary meaning.  We get into trouble when we try to assign meaning to every little detail in a parable.  So, as we read, look for the "main point".  And let it rest there.  Look for the "main point" in each one ... and today ... look for the "main point" as you read the passage.  Ask God to help you not to allow familiarity to blind your eyes and ears from hearing a fresh word today.

Read Matthew 13: 1 - 23

A great story!  I love this particular parable because Jesus explains it himself - very helpful indeed!  How are you going to apply this story to yourself?  What did you see that made you wrestle with the content?  Can you find yourself in the story?  

The message about the kingdom of God is an important message indeed.  It's a life-altering message.  It's a message with eternal significance.  So it seems to me that Jesus wants us to know what will keep us from absorbing that message.  Hence, he tells the "parable of the sower".  Here is my application:

How To Avoid Leading an Unfruitful (an unproductive) Life:

1. Avoid not understanding.  That is Satan's playground.  How in the world do we do that?  We pray for understanding.  Intentionally.  We learn in James 1:5 - 8:  "If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.  But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Pray for wisdom.
2. Don't be 'rootless'.  Any strong plant needs a good root system.  Having no root will keep us from absorbing the message of the kingdom.  When you are rootless, Jesus tells us that when trouble or persecution comes to us because of his teachings, we won't stand.  We'll just leave it - let it go.  Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 1:24  "It is by faith you stand firm."  Jesus tells us to "build our house on a rock" ... and He is that rock.  John tells us to "abide in Jesus" (John 15:5)  Keep yourself rooted in the very person of Jesus.
3. Don't allow the "worries of life" to rob you of your hope and/or joy in the message of the kingdom.  Yes, life is hard.   There will be plenty of opportunities to think that God doesn't mean what he says because our lives are not "waltzing through the tulips".  But remember, Jesus already told his followers, "Don't worry about your life." (Matthew 6:25)  Paul instructs us in Philippians 4:6 - 7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Set aside anxiety over the things of this life.  Do it through prayer.
4. Watch out for the lures and the lies of wealth.  Being infatuated with wealth in this life will rob you of the message of the kingdom ... will rob you of joy in the Lord.  Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:10 saying: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.  Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."  Love the Lord first.  Seek his kingdom first.  Use the monies you have well ... but LOVE God.  

Wisdom ... how to lead a life that bears fruit ... that is purposeful ... that has eternal value.  I want that kind of life.  So do you!  These are warning signs ... like orange traffic barrels set up to warn us of dangerous territory ahead.  Will we listen?  Will we heed the warnings?  

Lord, I pray that you will shine a light on any of these 4 areas that may be seducing us from steadfastness in you.  Give us eyes to see where we may be playing with fire.  We long to be good soil ... and to be people that bear much fruit for you.  What an incredible privilege.