“That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘A sower went out to sow. . . .’” (13:1-3). This parable and its meaning are very familiar to us. And we know we must examine ourselves so that we might know what sort of soil makes up our hearts. I could say a lot about this parable and its application to us. As I began to read the chapter, however, a thought came to me.
“The crowds gathered about him” there at the seaside. They had access to Jesus. They did not waste that opportunity. They came to him and they listened to him teach. The words of Jesus are so instructive and comforting. And think about this, we have more access than even those crowds who gathered physically before him. We have the entirety of God’s Word! Oh, my! When we are sad, in his Word we find hope. When the tears flow, we are reminded of a place and time in which tears will be no more. When we sin, we discover forgiveness. When we fear, we see God our great protector. When the world seems to go crazy around us, we see the sovereign Lord ruling with might and wisdom. Always before us is Jesus! What joy to warm up to his words and be taught and encouraged and given so great a hope!
Christ, the blessed one, gives to all
Wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call,
Wonderful words of life;
All so freely given,
Wooing us to heaven.
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life. -- P. P. Bliss (1874)
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