Mankind’s desire is to get maximum returns in what we invest in. Companies and organisations aim at minimising losses or shrinkage to increase profitability. In the right state of mind no one entertains wastage.
Whatever we employ, be it time, talent or material resources, we should aim at optimal yield. Let me be quick to say that in that endeavour, let us not cut corners. Those that hope in the Gospel of Christ want the full benefits of what it offers.
Nowadays the Gospel is heard from various sources and at more times. There is the Saturday or Sunday service, mid-week service, cell group meeting, morning, lunch hour or evening service. We also have newspapers, radios, television, mobile phones and many other media platforms. With all these, how much have you benefited?
Apart from wrong and inconsistent methods of biblical interpretations, the other reason why there seems to be jealousy and animosity among Christians is that some are prepared to work on the Word of God to its fullness and trust God to the best possible while others are lazy, judgemental and incredulous.
Let me use the parable of the sower to drive the point home. However, I will not be able to do a full exegesis and exposition of the whole text in one instalment.
Jesus says in Mark 4:13, “And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?” If you cannot understand the basics of this parable, don’t expect to fully understand any other parable.
In summary, we know that some seed fell by the wayside, some upon stony places, some among thorns and some into good ground. Today I will zoom in on the seed that fell into good ground. Mark 4:20 reads, “And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.”
So Christians receive the Word and act on it in varying degrees; some less than half returns (30%), some just above half (60%) and others maximum yield (100%). Where do you lie?
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The sower is the preacher, the seed is the Word and the ground is your heart. Luke 8:15 explains why some get more, “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Matthew 13:23 in part adds, “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it.”
The process is very simple. When you hear the Word, understand it, receive it in a good, honest and sincere heart, keep it and bring fruit through patience.
You achieve best results through prayer, fasting, speaking the word and acting on it. Some have acted on the word of healing and people have come out of wheelchairs and they have been labelled Satanists.
Don’t limit the power of God and don’t chide those that are willing to walk the whole distance of faith with patience. If you are getting 30% harvest get notes from those that are getting 100%.
Do not be like the picture painted in Matthew 13:14-15, “And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”
Sometimes we just make noise and are judgemental and receive with a critical mind. The Bible says parables are mysteries which have to be demystified through the leading of the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth. If you think you know everything, the Holy Spirit will not force Himself on you.
Never read and study the Bible to tell God how much you know but let Him tell you what He knows. The Word is received and kept in the heart by meditation. You need patience to bring the best results. This is a good day to begin to act on all what you have heard and continue to hear from God and make the best of it.
The same Gospel that is bringing results to others should work for you. The seed is sown, the field is there why not get maximum yield? Work the field, you are going somewhere.
•All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.
•Feedback: [email protected]. Follow Pastor Makarimayi on www.Twitter/PEMAKARIMAYI and Facebook
