May 10, 2022
The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. Mark 4:14-15
After Jesus spoke the parable of the sower to the multitude, He began explaining it to a small group who desired to fully understand its meaning. The first type of listeners in this parable are the ones by the wayside. An important detail to note is that the word…was sown in their hearts. The word of God has a supernatural way of piercing through directly to the heart. This is not to say that the mind is bypassed, but mental ascent to truth is not sufficient to actuate transformation of character. A deep and transforming appreciation of truth—and the authority of its Source!—is not as dependent upon the mind as it is the heart. In order for the truth of God’s word to claim the homage of a person’s will, it must be received into the soul.
God has provided for man a decided advantage in gifting him with the ability to reason. But if he elevates his own reasoning power above its proper use, his soul becomes filled with pride. Thus, God’s gift of the mind is of no benefit to him, and Satan comes immediately and takes away the word.
God’s word, because it is sharper than a two-edged sword, can wound! Its purpose is to put to death every habit and practice that is opposed to its principles. It is essential that the soul of the individual allow this ‘putting to death,’ for God grants the choice; He doesn’t make the choice for us.
But did you know that Satan is into healing? This type of “healing” interrupts the intended purpose of God’s word: putting to death anything in me that will not be a part of His kingdom to come. If I am convicted of a sinful habit, and enter the process of putting it to death, Satan will call in his emergency team to “resuscitate” this very sin in my life. Just as the first beast of Revelation 13 “seemed to have a mortal wound,” an individual can have what should be a mortal wound without really dying. Paul, who said “I die daily”, was simply stating that dying to selfish desires and ambitions was an ongoing process. Gentle Jesus, through His Holy Spirit, brings to our attention needed corrections as we can handle them. He also provides the power to follow through. But it is my responsibility to be receptive to this power, for it is the power unto salvation! Apart from it, there is no overcoming of sin. Jesus said:
“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.” Matthew 12:31