As a personal prayer and study discipline, I read and reflect on the scripture reading of the day using a process of reflective Bible study called "Gospel Based Discipleship" or "African Bible Study."

"Gospel Based Discipleship" is a way of engaging the scripture by reading the text 3 times (usually in a different translation) and asking the following questions after each time it is read. Even though it's called "Gospel Based Discipleship," it doesn't mean that all the readings are from one of the Gospels. It's just a method of scripture reflection.

1. What one word, phrase, or idea stands out to you?
2. What is Jesus (or the reading) saying to you?
3. What is Jesus (or the reading) calling you to do?

I hope that this blog will enhance your own spiritual discipline as you read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest God's Holy Word.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Luke 8:9-14 (NRSV)

March 1, 2017
Ash Wednesday

Luke 8:9-14
Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. [Jesus] said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that 'looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.' "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.


I am sure that the Kingdom of God contains many "secrets." Some of which I have no idea where to begin my dream. I'm wondering what Jesus means when he says, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the Kingdom of God." I would imagine that as believers who seek to engage, study, and develop deep roots, we then are able to understand what bringing forth and bearing good fruit is all about.

Jesus uses the metaphors of the path, the rocks, and the thorns as examples of how the word of God is either ignored, forgotten, or not "cultivated" when it is shared. We need to remember that the "Word of God" that Jesus was talking about didn't necessarily refer to scripture. This was before any canonized "Bible." Jesus is the "Word." Therefore, I feel that Jesus was speaking to his disciples about sharing Jesus' message good news of the Kingdom of God. I personally feel that this can be best done if there is a certain grounded comfort-level with ones faith and belief in who God is.

We should always be disciples who seek to know Christ more and to make Christ known. This can be done by the way we live. If we seek to nurture the seeds (the message of Jesus) on good ground, ripe mature fruit will surely spring up. However, nurturing the seeds takes effort, sacrifice, and being receptive to what God desires of us. Then, and only then, will we understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God.

Blessings as we begin a Holy Lent! 




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