[159]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – GOOD SEED IN THE THORNY GROUND
This poem was written for a recent message in a series I am currently doing on the Parables of the Kingdom from Matthew 13. It relates to the third soil type in the parable known as The Sower, {{Matthew 13:22 “The one on whom seed was sown AMONG THE THORNS, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word and it becomes unfruitful.”}}
https://sermoncentral.com/sermons/parables-of-the-kingdom-the-first-the-sower-or-rather-the-soil-part-4-of-5-ron-ferguson-sermon-on-deceitfulness-of-riches-293100
The seed fell on apparently good ground and gave so much promise as it was growing, but over time it became weaker because it was being crowded out and the much reduced light caused failure in the plant’s growth and it gave up. No fruitfulness came from those plants in the thorny ground. Often riches lead to corruption {{Ephesians 5:11 “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them”}}
The parable in the gospel gave reasons why this third group failed – worries of this life, the desire for riches, and the desire for other things. This soil type speaks of priorities. He who chases money to become rich will always fail in the spiritual life.
{{Matthew 6:31-34 Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things, BUT SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”}}
This parable is a warning for us. Our priorities (our eyes) must be on Jesus found in the bible. Neglect the bible and you will fail. Take special care that you eyes don’t go looking at materialism.
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GOOD SEED IN THE THORNY GROUND
Take the world but give me Jesus.
Keep your worries and your snares.
No one satisfies my living.
The world condemns but Jesus cares.
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Lord Jesus Christ, I ask of You,
Let not temptation be my lot.
Lord, keep me in the bonds of love,
And satisfied with what I’ve got.
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The thorny ground is so perverse,
With its evils will cause defeat.
Worries, desires and riches
Will rise up and choke out the wheat.
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And you, O man who walked away
From all the blessings of the Lord,
Submitting to temptation’s call,
What was it in you that was flawed?
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When you heard the word you believed
That word, and walked in it with joy,
But now from that, you defected,
And what you once held, you destroy.
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That thorny ground will pierce you through.
In your soul it will cause such grief.
Riches pursued achieve just nil,
But will complete your deathly wreath.
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Good seed fallen on thorny soil
Will be choked, and no fruit is gained.
A life with promise to the full,
Is rendered useless and then chained.
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Be diligent and be alert!
Both you and I must be aware
Of where the latent dangers lurk,
That will choke our lives and ensnare.
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A trust in God that will ensure
Strong growth and true vitality,
Is where the good seed brings forth fruit –
The joy of its finality.
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Ron Ferguson 29 July 2025 8-8-8-8 ABCB