The Sower & Faith

As most will agree, when the Israelites entered the promised land, it was not a picture of us entering heaven, but rather the beginning of our trials in the World as a believer. We also agree that the Israelites leaving Egypt were a shadow of us accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

All that being said, I am of the belief that the years in the desert are a representation of our first days, or Months of being a new Christian. For this is the time when most new Christians fall away, which are represented by the first two of the four seeds in the parable of the sower.

And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
(Matthew 13:2-9)

Some left Egypt but never truly understood the importance of leaving Egypt so the birds( the mixed multitudes) stole away what little faith they had. These newbies said they believed in Jesus, but when they got home or around their friends they decided they didn’t believe. They lasted a day, maybe a week before turning away from Jesus because friends and relatives may have ridiculed them, or they could not give up the sin they wanted so desperately to get away from when they said, “Yes I believe.”

Some never had roots to begin with, so the moment they reached the beach by the sea and were trapped by the Egyptians (tribulation and persecution) they disbelieved. Others still believed because of the miracle of the Red Sea crossing, yet when they entered the desert they began stumbling and falling away due to the continued trials and tribulations. These new Christians lasted a few Months, maybe even a year, but eventually walked away because their tribulations became stronger than their love for Christ.

One’s amount of faith can be measured by the degree of troubles that make you walk away. How strong is your faith? Can it handle a hurricane, or do you lose your faith after a simple problem like an argument with a stranger?

Those first two categories are the first two seeds. Those thrown to the waysides or tossed in the stony places. These Christians never made it out of the desert. They died in their sins and unbelief.

The third seeds are the ones tossed amongst the thorns that got choked up. These Christians actually made it to the promised land, and enjoyed the land that flowed with the blessing of GOD’s milk and honey.

These Christians were very enthusiastic, they made many friends and got involved in many church functions. As things moved forward they experienced the blessing of God, yet eventually they began enjoying the blessings more than the ONE who gave them their blessings. These Christians actually lasted a few years, maybe even ten or more, but the deceitfulness of riches and the cares of the World eventually lead them away as their love for GOD became unfruitful and dead like the church of Sardis.

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before [a]God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names [c]even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
(Revelation 3:2-6)

Be the fourth seed, the one that truly believes in the One Who died for your sins, and work hard to get past your own troubles in your life so that your love will grow strong for Christ. Continue bringing your problems to other brothers and sisters whose walk is stronger than yours, so they can pray and give you Godly advice. Do not shirk the gathering at God’s house of worship. Stay in the Word and allow it to water that seed inside you so it grows strong. Pray for strength and wisdom so you can become a warrior for Christ. Always put on the full armor of GOD when you first wake up in the morning, before you allow the worries and battles of everyday life to turn your joy into sorrow.

God bless you my brothers and sisters and remember, He who began the good work in you will continue it till He returns.