Over the years, I have come to notice that when someone we know ‘announces’ to the world they are pregnant, and usually early on... as in being just a ‘few weeks pregnant’, my wife, (the L&D nurse) cringes silently. She only does this because she is fully aware that any number of things can happen in those early stages of development that can lead to heartbreak. In other words, ‘conception’ is no guarantee that a fully developed baby will appear nine months later. IYKYK. Yeah...I would read that last sentence again.

Paul seemed to express similar angst himself, in his letter to the Galatians. When you get some time, look at Gal. 4:19 and read it in several translations. I would suggest using the Biblegateway site for easy access to a host of translations. He seems to indicate there that Christ being ‘fully formed’ in us...is no ‘sure thing’. He too, must have realized that any number of things can happen along the way. In fact, Jesus when sharing one of His most important parables, suggested the same thing. No, really...let’s visit the parable of the sower, as shared in Matt. 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8.

Jesus shares with a multitude of people, a simple story about a man who went out to ‘sow some seed’. Anyone see some parallels here already? Later, when He was alone with His disciples, He begins to reveal to them...the ‘mysteries of the kingdom’ as shared through God’s word. (Matt. 13:10-13). It’s important to point out here that Jesus did not make these insights known to the massive crowds...only to those who had come to Him and were serious about following Him.

We are told in Luke 8:11 that the ‘seed is the word of God’. Peter would later refer to it as ‘incorruptible seed’. (1 Pet. 1:23). And as you read through the parable, you learn quickly that while the seed (God’s word) was sown about into a variety of ‘hearts’ (ground), that the seed did not produce living fruit in all those types of soil mentioned. We can explore those further, but I want to point out something very important here first:

You probably have read that in the early stages of God’s plan to raise up Moses and use him to deliver His people who were slaves in Egypt, what did the Pharaoh command the midwives to do because of his concern of a rapidly increasing population? (Exodus 1:15-22). He wants all the male babies to be killed. We know that Moses was/is a ‘type of Christ’; and after Jesus is born, whom God intends to use to deliver all who are slaves to sin, the world, and the devil, what did King Herod order to be done when he caught wind that a ‘King’ had been born in Bethlehem? (Matt. 2:16-18) Yep, had all those babies under 2 years old killed.

Now go read Mark 4:15 and Luke 8:12 and see if a light does not come on for you there. The passage there in Luke seems to suggest some serious ramifications if this enemy is successful. And let’s not forget what this enemy is primarily known for doing- John 10:10.

It goes without saying that the youngest among us are the most vulnerable to being destroyed and or taken captive. Yet Jesus offers us His divine protection, provided we stay close on His heels, listen for His voice, and then follow Him. (John 10:27-29). We call this ‘abiding’ in Him. I will pick up here tomorrow, Lord willing; but if you want a short preview, go read 1 John 3:6 and 5:18 to see why that promise is possible where no one can snatch you from the Father’s hand.