Reading the parable of the Sower made me think of the value of what we put in our heart and feed in it and how it impacts what we are and, more importantly, do.
The seed that fells in hard soil is hard from being on the edge of the path. Thus the seed cannot penetrate the surface, and birds easily devour it. This is our refusal to understanding; our resistance takes away what was sown in our hearts.
The seed in shallow soil is the one with only “a thin layer of topsoil beneath which is a layer of limestone. The plant sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.” This soil heats up quickly eventually causing the plant to shivel up due to its lack of substantial root system. This is when we know the Word (what’s good in our hearts) but, under pressure and trouble, we fall away.
The seed in thorny soil tends “to be much hardier and more aggressive as they grow.” Thus, a young plant can quickly be overwhelmed and entangles, so that it receives little light and is deprived of nourishment. This is when we are distracted from the worries of this life and trying to satisfy this world, so we practice faith but don’t do the works.
Other seed fell on good soil and produce a crop of varying yields. The focus is on the result (producing a crop). This is when we understand (instead of hear), see (instead of look). This is our productive response, practicing faith and works. Then is when we love God with our heart, soul, and might, hence, producing fruits. Here, Jesus finds expression in us by what we do.
Has God’s Word fallen on hard soil? Is the soil of your mind on rocky places? Have you allowed God’s Word to be on thorny soil? Is your mind strangled by your self-love or your love for the things this world offers? Or do you have the soil of an open heart, with a spirit of humility?
Sources: Matthew 13: 3-23
Commentary by Dr. Knox Chamblin
Exegesis by Andrew S. Kulikovsky B.App.Sc (Hons)
