The four different kinds of soil and their reception given to the seed is really the heart of this parable. A pathway led through the field or perhaps went along the edge. That soil, hard and unbroken, never really received the seed. Some hearts are like that. They have become hardened by sin and the truth has no chance of entering. Then Satan makes sure about it. Like the birds who quickly spotted the seed on the path and flew down to snatch it away, Satan does exactly the same. He won't allow the Word to remain long enough to germinate and grow. In another place there was a shallow band of soil over rock. Seed fell there too and it looked like it would grow well. Then came a dry spell and a hot wind. The little plants which looked so promising shrivelled and died. Our Lord said this represented those who begin well but wither away at the first sign of testing. You have seen that happen haven't you? The promise is thrilling but the first test means failure spiritually. Then there are those whose spiritual life grows well until as Christ said: 'Life's worries, riches and pleasures' grow too and the good plants are choked completely. A tragedy. Anything that fills the heart to the exclusion of the Word of God is wrong and should be put away. The good soil is the joy of everyone's heart. It is soil which gave full liberty to the growth of the Word. The seed here eventually reproduces itself so the process goes on. This is what the farmer wanted. This is what our Lord is looking for. By the way, how is the soil of your heart? Where does it fit into the pattern our Lord gave? Is it a pathway? Rocky soil? Pre-occupied soil? Or fruitful soil? Why not say today 'Lord I want my heart to be constantly open to your Word'? That is what the Lord wants most of all. |
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