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"Other Fell on Good Ground, and Did Yield Fruit," Mark 4:1-20

Mark 4:1-20

Here now, the Savior explains why the words of Christ doesn't work for everyone. While the parable is given in fairly straight forward terms (it's this, that, or the other), as I've reviewed, I find within myself different types of ground at different seasons, depending upon how well I've prepared myself to receive the words of Christ.

Types of Ground:
  • Wayside - The Savior says that when the word is sown here, "Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts." (vs. 15) 
  • Stony Ground - Slightly different in its reception, the word here is received immediately with gladness. However, they are not able to establish roots and so the word has a time limit and is set to expire. Here it is after the expiration of the word or seed that "when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended." (vs. 17)
  • Among Thorns - Here too, the word is also received, but it is surrounded by weeds such as "the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things." (vs.19) These cause the word, though it grows here, to be unfruitful. Perhaps, it is noteworthy that in this state, the thorny weeds can be pulled.
  • Good Ground - This represents those that hear the word and receive it. Such bring forth fruit, in varying degrees and quantities. (vs. 20) 
As I've reviewed these simple observations, I can see that there is benefit in preparation. We ought to prepare ourselves to receive the words of Christ. In attendance at Church meetings, in attendance at the temple, in our personal studies, and at any time when there is an opportunity to receive the words of Christ, there is a need to clear out the ground, to do the work of preparation to receive the words of Christ.

There is a curiously strong spirit about this doctrine, that as I reflect upon past seasons of discipleship, I can pinpoint having done this preparation which in turn laid a foundation for my present faith today. Let us clear the ground around us, pull the weeds, cast out the stones, and prepare the soil to receive the words of Christ.
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