Thorns

Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. Luke 8.14
The parable of the sower contains much depth than simply surface, which is exactly why Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “What does this parable mean?” Yet many have not asked Holy Spirit the same question. I think it’s safe to say that obviously the seeds which fall by the wayside and the seeds that fall on the rock is an inherent depravity in humanity, but not the definitive seed of the Church. Sadly, I don’t think it’s the fertile soil either. There is one last option that with a distressing disposition I surrender my zeal and intercede for the bride.

Thorns, the Word has fallen on thorns and no one has even noticed.

The voice of the Church has been stifled, choked. Riches, abundance and comfort have dulled the hearts of formerly lovesick Christians. What began in the Spirit is now vainly trying to be made in the flesh. The pleasures of life, the fame of a well-known name in religious spheres prevail over the Name. Constant publishing of “How to Grow Your Church by 50” and “How Your Cell Group can Grow and Multiply” incessantly flood the mind thus the heart lacks maturity. Super pastors have begun to sweep through their congregations like a some high-profile actor or movie director while pride oozes out their pores.

I’m tired of celebrity ministers. I’m tired of cultural relevance taking preeminence. There is only one found worthy of all blessing and honor, glory and power. His name is Jesus. The Church must wake up, shake Herself from the dust of the lusts of this age and press into the Spirit.

Are we reading the Word? Are we studying the Word? Are we held accountable to a higher vision of life? Accountability does not equal talking in circles about vain, self-preserving complaints.

When Paul preached on Mars Hill, how many converted? Three. Why such a small number? Because Paul tried to make it relevant to the culture and win the approval of man. Once in Corinth, he went back to preaching the simple message of the Cross, and God birthed a whole church because there’s power in the name of Jesus. Jesus doesn’t need man’s witness, but man needs the witness of Heaven. There is life and liberty in the wounds of Christ. No matter how much charisma any preacher of the Word contains, if Christ and Him crucified isn’t first place then there is no purpose.

It’s all about Jesus. He is the mediator between God and man. Jesus is the highest expression of God to humanity and He is the highest expression of humanity to God. We need Him. We need Him preached. We need Him prayed to. We need Him adored. We need Him sacrificed.

And so as the Church we offer our humble sacrifice, a meager gift of worship. We give Him our life. We give Him our time. We give Him our rights, opinions and selfish notions. We lay it all aside and buy gold refined in the fire that we may be fit to stand, serve, minister and burn before the throne of grace. To find the Word planted in the fertile soil of the heart, cultivating a lush garden of humility, faith, joy, hope and love.