The cares of the world.

Mark 4:18-20, “And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

We are blessed not only to hear the parable, but to have the meaning made clear to us. The seed sown among thorns is one that speaks to our own culture, for there are many distractions and worries available today. The thorns are able to grow up quickly, taking away the moisture and nourishment from the good seed, and ultimately making it unfruitful. How the soil is prepared is key, in controlling the thorns and making the good soil. Are we plowing under the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches in order to receive the word he is ready to implant in us? Are we looking to bear fruit, perhaps even a hundredfold?

We cast all our cares upon you, prepare our hearts to receive your word and bear fruit to the glory of your name, O Lord!

ESV Lectionary