February 10 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Mark 4:1–9

Devotional

The Lord Jesus addressed multitudes of people that came to hear Him. On one occasion He taught a parable to them of a farmer sowing seeds. This farmer went out to sow grain into the soil with the intention that the seed would germinate and yield a rich harvest. As the farmer scatters the seed with the hopes of a great harvest, so also the heavenly Farmer plants the seeds of His Word with the hope that one day the seeds will bring forth fruits. The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. He calls to man in His Word, “Look unto me, and be ye saved.”

The fact that we have God’s Word in our homes and that we sit under the preaching of God’s Word in our congregations is evidence that God is still pleased to toil for our soul. Compare yourself with those who on the Lord’s Day hear nothing except the dismal sound of the world. What a privilege it is for you to hear the proclamation of the gospel!

But what are you doing with the words of God that He bestows on you? Where does this heavenly seed fall? Honestly examine your heart as you read this parable. Biblical self-examination has never done any harm; to the contrary, it benefits your soul. It is far better to ask yourself a thousand times whether your faith is real than to travel to eternity with an imagined salvation. Often we avoid self-examination because we are afraid that we will be disappointed. But may God give you grace to be sincere in your search. You will not be disappointed that you tested the genuineness of your faith. The result of that self-examination will be disappointing for those who are rich in themselves and it will exceed the expectation of those who are poor in spirit.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.