Given that one would have any recollection at all, or was even old enough to remember the original version of an old western classic that was released back in 1960. It was entitled: “The Magnificent Seven". In many instances, such a title might cause one to conjure up a host of action-packed sequences. Nevertheless, this small band of marauding mercenaries joined forces and assembled themselves for the expressed purpose of preserving and delivering a destitute and defenseless Mexican village from certain death, at the hands of their mortal enemies. That was their "modus operandi". In other words, that was the end towards which they were working: they were agents of death. This brings to mind a song, "I can see clearly now ." All kidding aside, and for those who had questions initially, I am hopeful that I have helped in bringing you some degree of clarity or understanding.
I must confess that I, myself, experienced some degree of hesitation in taking such an approach. However, I patiently and humbly sought guidance from our blessed Lord and deliverer, and who, with care and compassion, engaged in a dialog with Mary Magdalene, as He had truly RISEN from the dead: "Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." (John 20:15-17).
In the “Parable of the Sower” (Matthew 13: 3-23), the sower is the messenger of truth and the same Jesus depicted in the narrative above. And He uses whomever he chooses to work as His agency, in order to deliver lost souls from the ruin and ravages of sin and certain death. The various classifications of soil or ground represent the condition of hearts and the varying degrees of productivity realized in terms of their being fruitful or fruitless. Such are the responses to the Word sown in their hearts. The soil or ground is symbolic of those hearts. Ultimately, these will reveal or unveil one's identity. The point being to determine the likelihood that one's heart has been rendered ripe for the worldwide declaration and dispersion of the Gospel message.
Before proceeding with this message of truth, below I have presented in some detail the one who is responsible for the birth of sin in this world, while undermining and counterfeiting the truth and thereby rejecting and ruining our true identity, and more specifically, who is the Lord Jesus Christ: "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:32-36).
Just a cautionary note and reminder with respect to the role of our adversary, the Devil and Satan. It behooves me, and thus I am obligated to NOT understate but reemphasize and reclarify who he is and what he does. It's truly that simple, because we know the TRUTH: "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8). Satan holds the distinction of transforming himself into an angel of light. Of course, this is merely one of the schemes/tactics he both employs and then deploys, as the quintessential great impostor! There is no shame in his game, his sway and subtle intent are always in season (remember the Garden of Eden) and there is never a time when he is not on the prowl to perpetrate, instigate and finally devastate by waging war on lost souls while using guile in the place of firepower.
Nonetheless, and all that being said, do not believe for one single, solitary moment that we who are among the called of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, are immune to the assaults, accusations and deceptions of the devil and his demons: "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." (Revelation 12:10). Furthermore, Satan will, and without reservation nor respect for the life or condition of any soul, cease not to influence, invade, overrun, corrupt, occupy and establish permanent residence in any heart that he identifies and qualifies as vulnerable. Among other things, he makes it his personal mission to wreak havoc in the Church and among the chosen of the Lord. As the Lord loves us all, Satan, the ruler of this word, hates us all. We rejoice and fear not because the love of the Lord wins and delivers us from our sin: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4).
Below I have provided the various types of soil and, again, an explanation of the state or condition of that soil (or heart) in which the seed was sown. It would seem that both the intent and desire would be a rich and productive crop of budding fruit in response to the seed sown or planted:
1. By the wayside: They are receptive to the gospel message, but their willingness to be responsive is hindered or disturbed by their unwillingness to repent. Repentance is the first act of faith and is essential to the salvation experience (divine deliverance, safety, preservation healing and soundness).
2. On stony ground: They are readily receptive to the Word, and demonstrate an attitude of gratitude and gladness. However, their faith is either disrupted or shattered during episodes of hardship, trouble and adversity. The seed failed to take root, and thus there is no evidence of fruit: character, conduct or a lifestyle that has been justified by the sufficiency of God’s grace.
3. Among thorns: They are those whose lives are a reflection of God’s Word being resident in them. Nevertheless, distractions, worry, anxiety or the world’s pleasures begin to preempt (take the place of) the purpose of the gospel message. The final analysis suggests that they have been rendered unsuitable for service to God.
4. Good ground: They have demonstrated willingness, readiness and full and complete devotion to God’s plan of redemption. This is evidenced by their obedient, faithful (by virtue of an understanding heart) and productive service. In other words, you will know (recognize or identify) them by their fruit. Such disciples of Jesus are listening, seeing and hearing disciples whose fruitful lives are evidence of a genuine conversion.
The implication of the above is the forsaking of the pleasures of the limited and temporal fruit of our labors (Ecclesiastes 2:4-5, 10), as opposed to tenaciously clinging to the eternal and abundant fruit of the true vine: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:1-5).
The discipline of consistently and effectively exercising self-denial is truly the weapon of choice, if one is to prevail in fighting that good fight of faith and in achieving spiritual maturity: "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (Luke 9:23; 2 Timothy 4:7-8).
And in conclusion of today's message, Beloved, let us with zeal and enthusiasm raise our hands and our hearts to our great and gracious Lord God almighty with offerings of honor, praise, adoration and glory, as He is WORTHY! The fact of the matter is, over the course of the previous year, He has lead us, guided us, provided for us, and even during such times of turbulence, trouble and/or despair, He CARRIED US! Thus, let us perennially express our love in the gift of His presence. And at this time, let us with sincerity and humility bow down before him in prayer and thanksgiving in anticipation of a New Year, a New hope, a revitalized and invigorated FAITH on this journey to glory. And all in accordance with the will of the Lord of Glory!
Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. (Psalm 25:4-6).
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