And these likewise are they that are sown on the stony ground: who when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but are only for a time: and then when tribulation and persecution ariseth for the word they are presently scandalized. And others there are who are sown among thorns: these are they that hear the word, And the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts after other things entering in choke the word, and it is made fruitless. (Mark 4:16)
Amazing picture..
Isn’t it great? I am sorry I don’t have the name of the piece, or the artist. If anyone knows leave a comment.
What is “the world”? What is “riches”?
The greatest riches that the world can provide is not gold, or hard currency or the like, but “power” and “glory”:
Matthew 4, 8,9.
“8 Again the devil took him up into a very high mountain, and shewed him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, 9 And said to him: All these will I give thee, if falling down thou wilt adore me.”
And Jesus answers: “10 Then Jesus saith to him: Begone, Satan: for it is written, The Lord thy God shalt thou adore, and him only shalt thou serve.”
Stunning!
This picture is just too much of an opposite thought. I’ve never pictured this scene in my imagination at all. Very very thought provoking.
It is a phenominal painting.