The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart,
who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Luke 8: 15 (NIV)
There is so much to read in Scripture that sometimes it’s easy to skim familiar teachings, but after revisiting the “Parable of the Sower,” I discovered much more than I had before.
In fact, the next day I woke up humming Christopher Walker’s lyrics to “Take the Word of God With You as You Go,” and once again envisioned the farmer in the Gospel scattering seed to represent the Word of God (Luke 8: 9-15).
You may recall some seed fell on a path, but was rejected by those blinded by sin. Still more seed landed on rocky land where those who heard God’s Word claimed to believe, but when challenges occured they wandered away from the Father to cope on their own.
Seed also was tossed among thorns where folks’ trappings, materialism, and secular views held them captive. These people just couldn’t fathom how to weave God into their already jam-packed days.
Finally, seed fell on good soil where people with open minds and hearts had faith that God’s Word would matter, and make an impact on their lives. These individuals heard what was being asked of them, and were willing to accept the Gospel message.
Agreeing with, and sensing there was something special Jesus stood for, these folks looked with eyes of faith and could see what others were incapable of taking hold of.
These men and women had hope, and a desire to try and grasp the magnitude of God’s calling.
Have you ever found yourself maneuvering rocky ground, following foreign footprints, and attempting to find a way out of prickly situations?
I don’t know about you, but I’ve taken short cuts for way too long.
I am now at a point in my life when the condition of my heart matters.
I used to think I had it all together. Now I know when I’m in God’s Word, I have it all.
Jesus teaches that, “the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop” (Luke 8: 15).
It’s up to me to be rooted in Christ. To walk with the Holy Spirit. To nourish the garden of my heart.
Filled with God’s grace, you and I can then share God’s seeds of love and goodness with others.
Come now, my beautiful sister. Stand firm on holy ground. Nourish the garden of your heart, and see how seed planted and sown will make all things new.
Let’s pray.
O Lord Jesus,
Thank you for your teachings, and for selecting me to scatter and sow seed to build your Kingdom. May I be your worthy servant, always looking, listening, and loving with an open heart. Strengthen me, O Lord. Through the power of the Holy Spirit grant me insight into your Word, so that the garden of my soul will bloom in your love.
Amen.
Until next time…
May the Spirit of God lead you, the Word of God sustain you, and the promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.
Have a lovely day, my friend. I thank God for you!
With love and blessings...
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For greater study read the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13: 10-23, and Mark 4: 10-25, and reflect upon ways you will nourish the garden of your heart.
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Author of Nourish Your Soul: 7 Secrets for Women Seeking Peace
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