License-Plate Conviction
April 14, 2010
As I was driving down the road this week, a license plate on a new Ford truck in front of me grabbed my attention. It simply said: MARK47
I immediately thought, I don’t know this verse, but it must have an important message for this guy to highlight it for the world to see.
Here’s what Mark 4:7 says:
“And some seed fell among thorns: and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop.”
Strange, I thought, to put this on a license plate. Only Christians would actually look up the verse. But when they do, perhaps their thoughts were similar to mine.
I think this verse is a picture of much of the American church. Much godly teaching… much ungodly materialism… little lasting fruit. I think this man was trying in his own way to warn us of the dangers of the thorns- thorns of materialism, apathy, busyness, comfort- thorns that want to choke out our passion for Christ.
Let’s pray…
1. Let’s pray for ourselves.
Dear Lord,
Forgive us for allowing the thorns of life to choke out Your word from bearing fruit in us. Show us where we are compromising the integrity of our love relationship with You. Forgive us for offering You second fiddle. Help us to love You again with ALL our heart.
2. Let’s pray for our city and country.
Dear Lord,
We cannot change our past, but we can change today. Help us as Christians to be an example to our city of how You can change a life. Let them see by our actions and words that our love for You is far greater than our attachment to earthly stuff. Revive in us again the passion and zeal for Your presence. Make us salt and light again to our world.
3. Let’s pray for the global advance of the gospel.
Dear Lord,
We again pray that the terrible earthquakes in Haiti and Chile will be catalysts for a great wave of repentance and revival throughout their countries. Take the hurt and sorrow and turn it for good as they cry out to you for help. In Jesus’ name, amen.