“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.” (Luke 8:11-12 NIV).
In these verses, the Lord Jesus starts explaining with the first illustration He used in the parable. These reveal that as we scatter the seeds (being the Sower's tool), that is to share the message of the Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24), we must be aware that there are all sorts of forces and powers who will seek to take away the words from the hearts of those who hear them, who are open to God's Kingdom, to corrupt and keep them from being saved, and destroy them. Those forces of darkness use people dressed in many forms. Sharing the message of the Lord Jesus Christ is not a sharing of religious belief and opinion. It is spiritual warfare against the evil one and all of his forces. He does not want the name of our Lord Jesus Christ honored; or God's Kingdom to rule in the hearts of men and women. He is the enemy of God and the destroyer of our soul. He is the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).
That's why the apostle Paul solicited prayers for his efforts to share the Good News. He was at times met with fierce opposition and torture. They were more than just closed-minded, hard-hearted, and bigoted people. The powers of hell oppose those who share the message of God's grace in Christ Jesus (2 Thessalonians 3-1-3). Our battle is certainly not easy. But, we are assured that in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are eternally victorious! In Him, we are not fighting FOR victory. Rather, we are fighting FROM victory!
Hence, we are reminded to be fully geared for the battle. Apostle Paul exhorts, as it is written: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (Ephesians 6:10-17 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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