Mark wrote how Jesus told His disciples, “Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables. That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he said unto them, Know you not this parable? and how then will you know all parables?” Jesus continued, “The sower sows the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan comes immediately, and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts”, and in chapter four and verse sixteen of his book, Mark shares how Jesus told His disciples people who are like the stony ground, “receive” the word “with gladness” where we read:
And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground;
who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
The verse reads, “And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground;” Mark began with the words, “and these are they likewise” or “and the people in the same manner and likeness”, “which are sown” which means “who have seed or the word scattered and cast forth” “on stony ground” or “upon the rocky or rock-like arable land and ground”. Mark shared how Jesus referred to the “seed” that was “scattered” upon the rocky “earth or soil”.
The verse goes on to say, “who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;” Mark continued with the words, “who, when” or “who at the time and moment” “they have heard” which means “the people who were like the rocky ground understood, perceived and comprehended” “the word” or “God's speech, utterance, decree and mandate”, “immediately receive it” which means “straightway and forthwith accept, claim and procure the word” “with gladness” or “with joy, cheerfulness and calm delight”. Mark shared how Jesus referred to the way people who are like the “rocky soil” accept God's word “right away” with a sense of “joy and cheerfulness”.
When we think through Mark's words in this verse, we see how Jesus began to explain what He meant by the “seed” that was “sown” on “rocky ground”. This “rocky” soil was like people who hear “God's word” and “accept it” with cheerfulness right away. God's word goes forth throughout the world, and sometimes it reaches people who “receive it immediately”, and they do so with great “joy”. However, there is more to the way “the word of God” takes affect in their life. Jesus will share what happens after their “acceptance” of His “word”, but for now let it suffice that God desires for every person to have a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus. Those who are wise will not only “receive His word” gladly, but also allow it to take deep root within their hearts and minds.
Next time Mark shares how Jesus said these seed, “have no root in themselves” and “are offended”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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