Seeds That Choke
This is an audio recording of Seeds that Choke the Day 24 entry in Today: Devotions for Seafarers (Vol. 2) by Jason Zuidema.
Listen to the audio by Donielle Hart Goad or read the text below:
““Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.””
We might think that the greatest danger to the Christian pilgrimage is the temptation to leave the path, the way marked out for us by Christ. A common danger, though, is not only what is off the path but what is on it. We can become so preoccupied with things that are good— even spiritual blessings— that we can become distracted and stop moving forward. We stop progressing toward our goal of living faithfully for our Lord and Savior.
The pilgrim life is not easy— our Lord knows that we get tired. For this reason, he feeds us and comforts us in our times of weakness. But we can easily be distracted by even these good things.
For example, think of a tired pilgrim who stops to rest under a shady tree. The pilgrim might say, "This tree is so good; I will stay here awhile. I may even use some of it to make a shelter beside this trail. When I am ready, I will continue my journey." Time passes, but the pilgrim never moves along. Since he is so close to the path, he feels like a pilgrim but is only an imitator.
Are you like that pilgrim? Have you settled somewhere beside or off the path, rather then continuing on in the pilgrim life? A true disciple keeps following the Master. Up ahead, he's calling, "Come, follow me!"
For Further Thought
Have you ever been on a ship with engine trouble? What were the effects of having the ship lose power and slow down?
Have you ever felt that you were losing your drive and motivation in life? Explain?
How can you follow Jesus today?
Prayer
Lord and Savior, keep my eyes focused on you. If I am weary, do not let me leave the path, but strengthen me by your grace and Spirit. My only hope is in you. Amen.
