Daily Word: Thorny Ground

We are studying the teachings of Yeshua as found in the Parable of the Sower. Mark 4:7 reads: "Other seed fell among thorns and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain." Yeshua is describing someone who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of riches choke it resulting in no fruit being brought forth. The word "choked" is the Greek word sympnigo and it means to suffocate by compression. Figuratively, it means to overcome. Yeshua is describing the effect of the lust of the world overcoming and suppressing the truth of the word in someones life. If you allow it, the world will choke the word of God right out of your life.

Yeshua's teaching through this verse can be summarized as follows: (1) Some people hear the word and begin to act on it; (2) The cares of the world, which include the lure of riches, can suppress or suffocate the word out of the one who has received it; and (3) When the word is choked from you, you will be able to recognize it because there will be no fruit in your life. Remember the harvest is for others also and not just for yourself. Everyone can partake from the harvest in the field. Yeshua is warning us to make sure that our ground stays good. It can start good and end bad. Repentance is essential to maintaining good ground.

Today, examine your harvest. Is it what you want? How would you describe what you see as your harvest? remember, in Hebrew thought it is about action and not just correct thought. Perhaps today is a good day to look for a plow.