Matthew 13:22

And some fell among thorns.

1. Thorns and thistles occupying the field suck in the sap which should go to nourish the good seed. The capability of the ground is limited.

2. Thorns and thistles favoured as indigenous plants by the suitability of soil and climate outgrow the grain. The thorns are at home, the wheat is an exotic.

3. Anxieties about work, clothes, etc., become the thorn plants, harmless in appearance at first, which in the end may choke the seed of grace in your heart.

4. Worldly cares nursed by indulgence into a dangerous strength are further like thorns growing in a corn field, in that they interpose a veil between the ace of Jesus and the opening, trustful look of a longing soul. The seed must be exposed to the sun.

5. As long as weeds live they grow. They must be cast out of the field.

6. The thorn is a prickly thing; it tears the husbandman’s flesh, as well as destroys the fruit of his field. (W. Arnot.)

The deceitfulness of riches

Greek mythology tells of one who, being offererd a valuable reward if successful in a race, resolved to outstrip all competitors. But, alas I she did not, and why? Because enemies ever and anon flung pieces of gold just before her. The temptation was too strong; as often as she saw the glittering coins she stopped to pick them up, and so lost the prize. A picture that of some who start on the spiritual course; they forfeit the recompense because they stop to pick up gold. “The deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.”

The deceitfulness of riches

1. Riches are deceitful in the insidious growth which they promote of the desire for wealth, quite independent of what it is worth in its positive power.

2. In the transition from a normal desire for wealth to the fervour of avarice, there is great danger of deception among men.

3. Wealth is deceitful in taking the place of legitimate enjoyments in life.

4. The relative growth of the selfish over the generous.

5. In the gradual development of self-esteem and self-sufficiency.

6. In an entire perversion which takes place in the minds of men.

7. Wealth deceives men by promises. (H. W. Beecher.)

Worldliness

In gold there is a halter: in silver there is bird-lime; in the farm there is a bond; in the love of the world there is a chain. While we search for gold we are strangled; while for silver we stick fast; while we seize upon the farm, we are taken prisoners. (Ambrose.)

The soul has a limited capacity for growth

There is nutriment enough in the ground for thorns, and enough for wheat; but not enough, in any ground, for both wheat and thorns. The agriculturist thins his nursery-ground, and the farmer weeds his field, and the gardener removes the superfluous grapes, for that very reason: in order that the dissipated sap may be concentrated in a few plants vigorously. So in the same way, the heart has a certain power of loving. But love, dissipated on many objects, concentrates itself on none. God or the world-not both. “No man can serve two masters.” “If any man love the world, the love of the]Father is not in him.” He that has learned many accomplishments or sciences, generally knows none thoroughly. Multifariousness of knowledge is commonly opposed to depth-variety of affections is generally not found with intensity. (F. W. Robertson.)

The word choked

A merchant of-, engaged in a lucrative trade, was convinced by the Spirit of God that he was an heir of hell, but might, by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, become an heir of heaven. The god of this world tempted him with much earthly gain; and God, in the Person of the Holy Ghost, offered him durable riches and righteousness. He was fully convinced, as he said, that the riches of earth and the riches of heaven were set before him, and that he could not obtain both, but might take his choice. He glanced at heaven’s durable riches, and then settled his covetous gaze on earth’s glittering tinsel. He paused, feeling his choice was for eternity; but, at length, strangely, madly cried, “Give me my portion here.” His prayer was answered-his fiches were multiplied; “but,” said he, “I know that to gain the world, I have lost my soul.”

Deceitfulness of riches

Some years ago, when preaching at Bristol, amongst other notes I received to pray for individuals, one was this: “A person earnestly desires the prayers of the congregation, who is prospering in trade.” “Ah,” said I to myself, “here is a man who knows something of his own heart, and who has read the Scriptures to some purpose.” (W. Jay.)

Riches like thorns

Riches are like thorns: they may be touched, but not rested upon. Can’st thou set thy heart upon a thorn without piercing thyself through with many sorrows? (Venning.)