Word for the Soul

“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” Mark 4:14 NLT

Our Sunday Biblical Insights over the next couple of months will feature the ‘Parables of Jesus.’ One third of Jesus’ teaching was in the form of a parable. There are close to forty in all, and we will examine as many as we can, reviewing a couple of them in the same week. A parable is simply an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. We begin this week with the parable of ‘The Farmer Scattering Seed.’ This is one of several parables found in all the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Mark’s gospel is our text for this parable. FYI, the book of John contains none of Jesus’ parables.

Much of Jesus’ teaching was done before large crowds and this first parable is no exception. The crowd was so large that day Jesus got into a boat sitting down to teach all those who were gathered along the shoreline to hear Him. Jesus started by saying, “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed.” (Mk. 4:3 nlt) Familiar illustrations were often employed by Jesus in His teaching. Jesus’ day was mostly an agricultural society. Most people understood the principles of agriculture, the planting and harvesting of crops. This is where Jesus begins.

The farmer is scattering his seed in the soil of his field to produce a fruitful crop. When scattering seed, it falls in various locations of the field. Jesus describes the seed as being scattered in four different areas. Some seeds never make it to the field as they fall on the footpath and the birds immediately devour it. Other seeds make it but fall on shallow soil on top of a rock. The plant rises quickly but is soon wilted and dies for lack of deep roots. Some seeds found deep soil, but the adequate dept also contained thorns which grew and choked out the plants. And then there were seeds that fell on good fertile soil. They sprouted, grew, and produced a bountiful crop.

Later, Jesus’ disciples asked Him the meaning of the parable. Jesus did say as He concluded the parable, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mk. 4:9 nlt) They obviously didn’t understand. The farmer’s seed is providing earthly subsistence of food needed for survival. Jesus implies the heavenly meaning by equating the seed being planted by the farmer as the Word of God. He tells His disciples, “The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” (Mk. 4:14 nlt) God’s Word is the spiritual subsistence we need for eternal life. More specifically, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Word made flesh. “So the Word became human and made his home among us.” (Jn. 1:14a nlt)

The four types of soil in the parable represent four different responses from individuals who are presented with the gospel. There are those with ‘no response’ for Satan immediately shows up and steals it away before it has the time to germinate. Many people have an ‘emotional response’ when they hear the gospel being preached, but not having deep roots they fall away when start to receive flak from others due to their interest in Christianity. A third response is a ‘conformity to the world response.’ “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Ro. 12:2a niv) The word taken in begins to grow along side the thorns of this world, the lure of money, success, and all one would have to give up being a Christian. And those thorns chock out any new desires for God or His Word. But then there is the ‘fruitful response’, those who readily accept the gospel message being drawn by the Holy Spirit. “And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Mk. 4:20 nlt)

The farmer scattering seed in Jesus’ parable is every Christian today. All who accepted Christ as savior has received a bag of seed from the Lord to spread around. Gospel seeds are not reserved for only pastors, Bible teachers, evangelists, or seminary professors, but everyone who names the name of Christ. Jesus is encouraging each of His followers in this parable not to be discouraged in the lack of response as we tell others about Him. There will be different types of responses according to each heart. The preparation of the soil is not our responsibility. God will prepare the soil. We are only called to be faithful and scatter the seed.

Read: Mark 4:1-9, 13-20 NLT – Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

The Sun will be Darkened

April 6, 2024April 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“……the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” Matthew 24:29 NLT

This coming Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will pass through North America. Its path starts in the South Pacific Ocean entering the mainland on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The path continues through Mexico entering the United States in Texas and traveling in a northeastern direction through the United States up through New England and entering Canada in southern Ontario exiting off the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland. This eclipse is being dubbed as the Great North American Eclipse as the moon makes its way between the sun and the earth. Thousands of people are making their way to the best locations to view the eclipse in its totality. From the small cities of Kerrville, Texas and Russellville, Arkansas, to Cleveland Ohio and Buffalo, New York, and everywhere in between spectators will be lining up to view the astronomical event. It is estimated that close to 50 million people are in the solar path, not to mention those travelling to it. Total solar eclipses are rare occurrences but happen within the astrological timetable. But there will be one last astronomical event as we know it that will darken not only the sun but the moon as well.

Jesus told His disciples He was going away, but He was coming back. When Jesus ascended into heaven from on top of the Mount of Olives two men dressed in white said to those who witnessed Jesus’ departure, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” (Acts 1:11 nlt) The Lord Jesus is going to return and plant His feet back on the Mount of Olives. Matthew describes this astronomical event as, “……the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Mt. 24:29-30 nlt)

As we view God’s creation of the sun, the moon, and the stars during the solar eclipse, may we remember that His Son Jesus Christ is returning in a way that will rock the world. He will come back and rule as King on the earth for a thousand years. The total solar eclipse will darken the sun for a few minutes in a very small portion of the earth, but when Jesus returns the whole world will see the darkening of the sun and feel the cataclysmic effects upon the earth. But the light will reappear when Christ begins His earthly reign. Astronomers through careful study can predict the next solar eclipse, but even the most educated theologians cannot predict the when the Son of Man will come back again. Everything is in place and ready for His return. Are you?

Devotionals

The Encouraging Words of Discipline

April 5, 2024April 4, 2024 Loring Schultz

“My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you.” Proverbs 3:11 NLT

“For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” Hebrews 12:6 NLT

Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com

‘Discipline’ is defined as; 1. a branch of learning, 2. training that develops self-control, efficiency, etc. 3. strict control to enforce obedience, 4. Treatment that corrects or punishes. Careful examination of the definition of ‘discipline’ validates these are encouraging words for they seek to train, educate and prompt one to see the error of their ways. Discipline is not pleasant at the time received, just ask any child. But parents and guardians realize the necessity to correct a child of wrongdoing in the early stages of life. They also do it out of sincere love. Adults also face discipline when breaking laws resulting in punishment from those in authority or going against company or workplace policies. A company I worked for in retail management had one store if a manager was transferred there, you knew it was for disciplinary reasons. The goal was always to train, educate and prompt one to see the error of their ways.

Our heavenly Father disciplines His spiritual children as earthly parents discipline their children. He does it out of love for us. Some of the discipline we receive from the Lord is for immediate results for something we have done, but most is for our spiritual growth to live holy lives. It is for our good that the Lord disciplines us, and we should not despise it as if we don’t deserve it. The writer of the book of Hebrews says, “And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, ‘My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.’” (Heb. 12:5 nlt)

Be careful not to view every bad thing that happens to you it is God disciplining you. We live in a sinful world, and bad things happen all the time. If you are sincere in walking with the Lord, you will be able to discern His loving hand of discipline on you when it occurs. And remember, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” (Heb. 12:11 nlt)

Read: Hebrews 12:5-11 NLT – And have you forgotten the encouraging – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Thank God for His Faithfulness

April 4, 2024April 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground.” Isaiah 44:3a NLT

April showers have descended on Pennsylvania once again. Only on the fourth day of the month but we haven’t seen the sun yet, although I know it’s there. Steady rain most of the time with more to come. There is an old saying that helps us get through this rainy month, ‘April showers bring May flowers.’ It has always proven true due to God’s faithfulness in the changing of the seasons and maintaining His creation. So, we should thank God for the rain displaying His faithfulness.

God is faithful to us in more than His creation. He is faithful to forgive our sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn.1:9 niv) God remains faithful to us even when we deny Him, for He cannot deny who He is. (2 Tim. 2:13) He is faithful to strengthen and protect from Satan. (2 Th. 3:3) God is also faithful in not allowing us to be tempted beyond what we are able to stand and provide us an escape. The apostle Paul tells the church in Corinth, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13 niv) And our salvation is secured through God’s faithfulness once we have accepted Christ as our savior. “He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Cor. 1:8-9 niv)

Throughout your rainy days whenever they occur always remember God’s faithfulness in all He does for us. Another old saying is, ‘Into every one’s life, a little rain must fall.’ Thank God the rain that is falling is falling from Him who is faithful.

Devotionals

God’s Overlapping Provisions

April 3, 2024April 2, 2024 Loring Schultz

“If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you the seasonal rains. The land will then yield its crops, and the trees of the field will produce their fruit. Your threshing season will overlap with the grape harvest, and your grape harvest will overlap with the season of planting grain. You will eat your fill and live securely in your own land.” Leviticus 26:3-5 NLT

The Lord God does not neglect His own. He has promised to provide for us, His children. Christians can take comfort in God supplying all our needs. Paul confirmed this as he told the church in Philippi, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ph. 4:19 nlt) How is it then, that from time to time we suffer a shortage of provisions? There are some uncontrollable factors such as the economy of any country in the world you reside in, and the fact we live in a broken world. But there are some things we can control and they’re as old as God’s instructions to the nation of Israel in the Old Testament, “If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you the seasonal rains. The land will then yield its crops, and the trees of the field will produce their fruit.” (Lev. 26:4-5 nlt)

The Lord promised the children of Israel He would supply their need if they obeyed the Lord their God. They would not have any lack between seasons. The threshing season started in March and would continue until the grape harvest in July. The grape harvest would then overlap with the season of planting grain. God’s continual provisions would satisfy all their needs.

God’s promise of overlapping provisions is still in effect today for every Christian claiming Jesus Christ as their savior, and the same conditions still apply. Paul warns us, “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” (Gal. 6:7 nlt) We are to be obedient to God in all we do as the nation of Israel in the Old Testament. If we obey God’s commands, we will witness His overlapping provisions in every season of our lives.

Devotionals

The Morning Light from Heaven

April 2, 2024March 29, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79 NLT

During the last few weeks, since daylight savings time began, the rising of the sun has coincided with my wake-up time. Of course that will change as the days get longer, but nevertheless as I walk from the bedroom into the dining room the sun is shining brightly on the wall through the living room window. As I was reading Zechariah’s prophecy in Luke chapter 1 the other day, I couldn’t help but reflect on my recent morning light experiences. “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us.” (Lk. 1:78 nlt) The morning light of the sun is indeed from heaven for it is God’s creation and it is sure to break upon us every day. But Zechariah’s prophecy was not concerning the morning light from the sun, but the Son, Jesus the Son of God.

Zechariah’s prophecy followed the birth of son, John the Baptist. He praised the Lord God of Israel for sending the savior, Jesus Christ. “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.” (Lk. 1:68-70 nlt) Zechariah knew his son John was to be the forerunner to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah. “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord.” (Lk. 1:76 nlt)

The prophecy concludes as Zechariah encourages those who sit in darkness that the morning light is about to break through. Perhaps you’re sitting in darkness this day. The morning light from heaven, Jesus Christ, is ready to break upon you if you look to Him to give you the light of His salvation.

Read: Luke 1:67-79 NLT – Zechariah’s Prophecy – Then his – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Walking with Jesus

April 1, 2024March 26, 2024 Loring Schultz

“They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?’” Luke 24:32 ESV

The first two people to walk with Jesus after His resurrection was Cleopas and his friend. They were returning to Emmaus from Jerusalem late in the day that first Easter Sunday when Jesus approached them and joined them in their walk. They had been discussing among themselves all that had transpired in the last few days. Jesus asked them in a curious way what they were talking about. They did not recognize Him even though they were told He was seen alive. Cleopas couldn’t believe their new walking companion wasn’t aware of the events around Jerusalem over that long weekend. He then preceded to give Him a detailed account of the last three days about Jesus the Nazarene.

Cleopas and his friend were sincere and accurate in their reporting of all that happened, but they missed the point as to the reason. They were looking for Jesus to free Israel from the Roman government and set up His Kingdom. Jesus then admonished them concerning Himself by saying, “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Lk. 24:26 esv) Jesus then explained to them the scriptures as they walked together.

Christians today have the same opportunity to walk with Jesus through the presence of the Holy Spirit. As we read the Bible, the Spirit guides us into all truth concerning the Word of God. The Holy Spirit guides us into the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus, our Savior. As we accept Christ as our Savior, He is constantly with us through the Holy Spirit as we walk in this life. Cleopas and his friend may have been the first to walk with Jesus after His resurrection unknowingly, but each of us today can know that it is Christ who walks with us as we put our faith in Him.

Read: Luke 24:13-49 ESV – On the Road to Emmaus – That very day – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

Come, See, Go, and Tell that Jesus is Risen

March 31, 2024March 26, 2024 Loring Schultz

“……. Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead.” Matthew 28:5-7 KJV

Matthew’s account of the resurrection of Jesus from the grave agree with the other gospel writers with the women first to arrive at the tomb that first Easter morning. They came in the very early morning hours with spices to prepare Jesus’ body for permanent burial. Jesus’ death was on the day before the Sabbath, the day in which no work is to be done. With evening approaching, Joseph of Arimathea, a very wealthy man, asked Pilate for Jesus’ body wrapping it in clean linen laid it in his own tomb. The burial was incomplete due to the late hour. The women came to anoint Jesus’ body with the spices they had prepared as soon as the Sabbath was over as time would not allow them to do on Friday evening. But the unexpected happened.

There was a great earthquake as Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James the less, arrived at the tomb. Matthew describes it; “for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat upon it. (Mt. 28:2 kjv) Enormous fear must have come upon them for the angel told them to fear not! Matthew records even the guards of the tomb became as dead men due to fright. (Mt. 28:4) The angel proceeded to give the women news not only to calm their fear but give them great joy. “I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead.” (Mt. 28:5-7 kjv)

The angel’s news along with further instructions to the women that morning is just as valid for us today, as if we witnessed the events along with Mary Magdalene and Mary, James’ mother. We serve a living savior. Our Lord is not to be memorialized with flowers of remembrance this Easter. He is alive and is to be worshiped. We do not come to tomb to remember and with respect as the women did that morning but rejoice with them that He is not there to be remembered, He is risen. All of us are invited to follow the angel’s instructions to ‘come’ and ‘see’ that He is not in the tomb. We are invited with the women to ‘go’ and ‘tell’ everyone that He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

Read: Matthew 28:1-10 KJV – In the end of the sabbath, as it began – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

The Patient Endurance of Injustice

March 30, 2024March 28, 2024 Loring Schultz

“He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” 1 Peter 2:22-23 NLT

The American judicial system is based on justice being administered represented on the facts of the case. The defendant is found guilty or not guilty by a judge or jury. The outcome is to ensure that justice was served by not punishing the innocent or letting the guilty go free. The courts, although not perfect, strive to uphold the law as established in the United States Constitution. There have been many cases over the years, even though brought properly through the judicial process, that have clearly not resulted in justice. The innocent is guilty and the guilty go free. It is extremely difficult for one who has been tried and convicted of a crime they did not commit to patiently endure the injustice done to them. But our Lord Jesus did just that on our behalf.

Jesus was arrested by the Jewish rulers for claiming the truth that He is the Messiah and claiming to be God in the flesh, another truth. Jesus was upending the Pharisees and the scribes’ rule over the Jewish people, so they sought to have Him arrested, put on trial, found guilty, and be put to death. Even in Jesus’ day, you need witnesses to confirm a crime was committed. Jewish law demanded at least two witnesses to agree, and after patiently waiting two came forward. “The leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death…. Finally, two men came forward.” (Mt. 26:59-60 nlt) The false testimony they gave along with Jesus’ truthful response satisfied the rulers as to the decision they made.

Jesus went through the mockery of perceived justice in the various trials He went through enduring the injustice done to Him. Peter writes, “He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.” (1 Pt. 2:22 nlt) Jesus, God the Son, never sinned. How could He commit a crime? Peter goes on to say, “He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” (1 Pt. 2:23 nlt) God always judges fairly, and in this case, Jesus endured the injustice as God’s plan of justice for the payment of sin. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, was sacrificed for our sin making us just and righteous in the sight of God as we accept Christ as our savior. False witnesses may have lied abut Jesus, but it was all part of God’s plan of salvation for all who believe.

Devotionals

We Have Access to God the Father through Jesus Christ

March 29, 2024March 26, 2024 Loring Schultz

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.” Matthew 27:50-51 ESV

For the religious Jews of Jesus’s day, the tearing of the curtain (veil) in the temple should have been a revelation of who Jesus is and His purpose in dying on the cross. Scripture says the curtain was torn at the moment Jesus died, yielding up His spirit. It was torn from top to bottom indicating no human could have done it, it was clearly an act of God. The curtain that was torn was the inner curtain that separated the holy place from the most holy place in the Temple. It separated God who is Holy from sinful man, and it contained the Ark of the Covenant and the law of God.

Entrance into the most Holy place, the Holy of Holies, was only once a year on the Day of Atonement. This was the most solemn holy day of all the feasts and festivals on the Jewish calendar. The High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies after offering a bull sacrifice for his own sins. He would then enter and sprinkle some of the blood on the Ark of the Covenant to atone for the sins of the people. Forgiveness and covering of sin were only through a blood sacrifice and repeated every year on the Day of Atonement.

The events that took place on the first Good Friday are many. They started in the early morning hours past midnight with the unjust trials of Jesus, and after being condemned to die, mocked, beaten, he was finally nailed to a cross later in the morning. Darkness covered the earth from twelve noon until three in the afternoon, the time Jesus died. At that moment, the last event, access to God was made possible to all through Jesus’s sacrifice and shedding of His blood. The curtain was torn down, no more need for a yearly animal sacrifice to cover sin. A permanent sacrifice for sin was made. “For the death he died he died to sin, once for all.” (Ro. 6:10 esv) We have access to God the Father through the blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Have you accepted the sacrifice of Jesus in not just covering your sins but in taking them away completely? Access to God, Salvation, and eternal life is only made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ as we repent, confess our sins, and accept Him as our Savoir. This Good Friday make sure you have access to God the Father.

Read: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27%3A32-56&version=ESV