4:20
Finally we come to the good news. The good ground is those who “hear the word, accept it and bear fruit”. Clearly the outcome in this case is way better than the outcome in all the others, indeed it is the only positive outcome. In fact, it seems that there is a highly positive outcome or a very negative one, with little or nothing in between. So what are we to do? There are two things. One is we preach the word to all, knowing that there will be a whole range of responses, many negative, but the positive ones make it more than worthwhile. The second is that we need to guard our hearts. We need to make sure we pay close attention to the word of God, not allowing it to be snatched away. Next we need to make sure we have deep roots, always seeking to know Christ better, to understand His word more deeply. Then we need to beware of things coming in to crowd out the word of God, be they worries or riches.
4:21
The lamps of their day were generally small enough to be held in the hand, and putting under a basket would not just hide the light but quite probably snuff it out. We are meant to be on display. God will make His people prominent. We are also to share the word. Today there is increasing pressure to keep quiet about being a Christian, and to keep quiet about Biblical beliefs. But God has given us the light of His word in order for us to share it. If we do not, then it will go out in our lives. If, on the other hand, we do share it, then we will find that even though trouble may come, we will receive help and strength from the Lord.
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