A Word from Mark 4

How would you say your “root system” is doing today? I ask that because today’s word from Mark 4 (see verses 3-20) tells a familiar story about our spiritual “root system.” And in the process, it offers some diagnostics that are almost always timely.

You know the story. A Farmer goes out to sow his seed, which happens to be the life-giving word of God. And some of that seed falls on hearts that are packed down so hard by routines and distractions and the evil of the world around us that it never even gets a chance to sprout.

Other seed falls on hearts that are rocky, where it might produce a short burst of excitement and joy.  But because troubles and hardship prevent that seed from developing roots, the excitement doesn’t last.

Still other seed seems to be doing great. It’s reaching toward the light and getting established in the soil. But then, worries about life and misplaced desires choke out the root system, which makes the plant unfruitful.

But thanks be to God, some seed falls on good soil, where God’s word is heard and accepted, and it draws strength from Living Water and the Sustaining Spirit. And as result, it produces a crop that pleases the Farmer…and blesses others!

Of course, you know all that. But how often do you stop to ask: How is my root system doing? Am I cultivating my heart in a way that lets me draw life from the Vine?

Well today, may you be rooted deeply in the Savior, and may you produce good fruit as a result. Amen.