Kingdom Parables
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THE KINGDOM PARABLES<br />
(Does your congregation insist on worshipping towards the east? Can<br />
you explain it? Is it too slight a thing?) Because of this association we see<br />
the sun smitten and vial poured out on the sun at the time of Judgment.<br />
(Rev. 8:12 and 16:8) At the crucifixion the sun was smitten (Luke 23:44-<br />
45) Notice also that the new earth has no sun (Rev. 21:23) But sun is<br />
necessary for the healthy growth of a plant provided there is enough<br />
water and moisture available. So also trials and temptations are necessary<br />
for exercise and healthy growth of the Christian. But without the roots -<br />
the spiritual mainstay to draw water, he will just wither away.<br />
Water in the scripture symbolizes the quickening spirit and the word. In<br />
John 4:13,14 Jesus speaks of the living water that he gives. "He who<br />
believes in me as the scripture has said - "out of his heart shall flow<br />
rivers of living waters." Now this he said about the spirit, which those<br />
who believe in him were to receive. (Jn 7:38-39)<br />
Luke’s mention of the moisture is of interest. The roots of a plant are of<br />
tremendous strength. They can easily break through the rocks provided<br />
the plant can be kept alive on them by constant provision of moisture.<br />
By providing constantly the atmosphere of spirit and fellowship even the<br />
rocky grounds can yield fruit. The trouble often is that the sun removes<br />
the moisture on the surface soil fast. The great need of Christian<br />
Fellowship especially at the times of hardships, trials and temptations<br />
cannot be over emphasized. The moisture is provided to the younger<br />
plants by the older plants. Deforestation we know is the basic cause of<br />
desertification.<br />
2.8 THE SEED THAT FELL AMONG THE THORNS<br />
Thorns are the outcome of the fall of man. It is the crop of the<br />
development of the ego - the selfishness. "Cursed in the ground because<br />
of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and<br />
thistles it shall bring forth to you; and you shall eat the plants of the<br />
field." (Gen 3:17-19) Because of his selfishness, he begins to worry<br />
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