In Matthew 13, Jesus gives us the parable of the sower. He tells of seed sown that fell by the way side, some fell upon stony ground, and some fell among the thorns. However, some fell on good ground, nice fertile ground. Some seed did not have a chance. Some seed sprang up, but did not have much root, no deepness, and eventually withered away. Some seed fell among the thorns and were consquently choked out. But, I am interested in that good ground.
There's more to growing plants than just broadcasting seed. Soil must be prepared if one wants all seed to grow. All seed will be good seed, but they can only grow in good soil. If the soil is rocky, then the plant will not grow well. If the soil has weeds, then the plant will not be healthy. If the soil is hard, then the seed will not be able to sprout and only be good for the birds. Only in clear, loose soil will a seed have a chance to sprout and grow. Soil must be prepared. Rocks need to be removed. Weeds need to be pulled. Tough dirt must be tilled.
Jesus explains that our hearts are like soil and the word of God is like seed. If our hearts are hardened, then the truth can't reach us. If our hearts are troubled, it's like stony ground. If the cares of this world are distracting us and we are full of worry, then it's like the seed falling amidst the thorns. We must prepare our hearts to receive the seed. We must remove the rocks. We must weed the ground. We must till the hardness of our hearts.
But, let's talk about that good ground. If we open our hearts to Jesus, trust in Him, accept the Word as truth, then we can grow and bear fruit. In that good soil, the Word can sprout and as the roots grow and reach deeper, we will be able to see the fruit that God has intended for us. Sprout. Grow. Take root. Reaching deeper and deeper.
See you Sunday!
No comments:
Post a Comment