February 15 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Mark 4:1–9

Devotional

A sower went out to sow and some of the seed fell on good ground. What ground is good for seed germination? Good soil is loose, soft soil which takes in the seed. Here the birds cannot simply peck everything away. Secondly, good ground also has depth. Here the seed does not come down upon hard rock. It is able to shoot roots deep into the earth. Thirdly, good soil is clean soil that is free from shrubs and thorns. In this environment, the seed will get enough moisture, room, and sufficient sunlight to promote growth.

The illustration of good soil is a picture of those in whose lives God’s Word is effective. They are not only hearers but also doers of the Word. The birds do not have the opportunity to take the seed away. The Word penetrates too deeply for that. Such a person takes God’s Word with him into his inner being. He becomes a broken and contrite person. He confesses, “Never has anyone committed so much evil against so much good.” He learns to speak well of God and have an image of himself that reflects his sinfulness yet recognizes God’s grace in his life. He sees that he is worthy of punishment and hell. The fallen seed goes downward. He sees God’s grace. The seed begins to germinate. God’s Word takes hold of such a person and does not let him go.

The person who hears God’s Word and lets it impact every area of his life permits the seed to grow lasting roots. A firm foundation is now in place. Just like Christian, this man can no longer endure being in the City of Destruction. He experiences a godly sorrow and his repentance leads him to the way of salvation. He sees that his life is empty without God. These experiences take place in personal, secret prayer with the Lord. In the terminology of seed germinating, we can say that it takes place under the ground, in the depths. This intimate fellowship between the Creator and the creature transforms a man’s daily life and walk. It is the natural expression of God’s dealings with man.

The good soil represents the person who breaks away from the slavery of the world. Certainly there is a cost in following Christ, but when one has been overcome by the love of God, he can no longer peacefully give his heart to the world. One glimpse of God’s favor is worth more to him than all the enjoyments of the world. The old nature is still active and at times gains the upper hand. But the old character is now a recognized enemy. The true follower of Christ hears and follows the words of God and reflects, “Oh wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” From the depths of godly sorrow, true joy in God is born. That is a well-rooted joy and not even hell can remove it.

 

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.