Fruit Among the Thorns

Fruit Among the Thorns

Matthew 13:22 says; “Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.”
Jesus is talking about the word of God given to us who live in this world and are surrounded by influences that would keep us from being fruitful for the Kingdom of God.
The cares of this world He mentions here are anything that keeps us focused on our problems and keep us from focusing upon the work of the Kingdom. It is hard to focus on the needs of others when the bill collectors are knocking on your door. It is hard to help others deal with pain when your heart is breaking. But yet this is what we are asked to do? The poet Terrence writes; “So many cares hinder me which draw my mind different ways.” It is hard to focus on others when our minds are occupied with the thoughts of daily live.
The deceitfulness of riches which promise peace and contentment, but never give them, only leaves us wanting more. I know you think if I had more, the cares of this world would go away. I have thought this myself, if I only had my house, or car paid off I could live good. Yet I noticed that the more I made the more I spent and it still left me hungry for more. I hear so many and have said it myself; “If I could win the lottery.” Till one night the Lord impressed upon this thought; “Are not my blessings enough for you?” God has given me so much, a great job, a new home, and wonderful family, and a peace that money can not buy.
The seeds of the cares of this world have been planted in our lives sometimes long before the word of God has been sown. When we tend to the cares and ignore the word of God is it any wonder we produce the fruits of these cares? But when we tend to the word of God the cares of this world seem only temporary compared to the lasting rewards of a heavenly inheritance, and the fruits we are able to produce from a life center on God’s word.

Prayer:
Father, help us to hear your word above the call of this world. Help us to bear fruit from a life centered on your word, as you pour out your blessing on us. Thank you for the peace in our hearts, and the joy that comes from knowing you through your Son, in whose name we pray. Amen

Thought: Let God be a blessing to you, in order that you may be a blessing to others.