SCRIPTURE:
'The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. '
Matthew 13:20-22
OBSERVATION:
My soil is often rocky or thorny. I hear so many fruitful things but constantly forget and let those ideas rot and get choked out by thorns. Or like the seed that falls on rocky soil, I often experience a good word and it applies immediately. Then eventually life happens and with it the once promising seed slowly decays.
As Jesus breaks down the parable He emphasizes the lack of root and the tendency to worry as the main culprits of the seeds not bearing fruit.
APPLICATION:
When it comes to the rocky soil of my heart it probably means I’m more concerned with the fruit than the root. But roots come before branches. Without a deep-set root anything on the outside that shines will eventually lose its glimmer. I need to put the effort into the roots to grow rather than the fruit to show.
In terms of the thorny soil that gets choked up by worry, that’s what happens when I rely on my own strength. Worry rises when I put my goals above God’s plan and fail to serve the audience of One.
In order for me to reach the potential for good soil I need to cultivate good soil and “yield to the plow of the Holy Spirt”. A starting point would be to:
1. Be intentional in my learning. I can't just go through the motions anymore. My life is not a Unit Mastery class that I can just cram for and check off a list. It requires attention and understanding to last a lifetime, starting with the intentional and consistent daily building up of wisdom.
2. Seek wisdom. I can't sit still and hope seed drops my way. I need to pursue seed. Proverbs 4:7 reminds me that “The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Hawaiians say, “E hoʻōiki i ka hoʻina wale, o hōʻino ʻia mai ke kumu”, which means “one should never go home without some knowledge.” I need to pursue being a life-long learner and seize every opportunity, every scattering of the seed, as a chance to learn and grow.
3. Pass it on. I need to pay it forward and spread the seed. I’m reminded again from Proverbs 27:17 that “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” As I continue to be mentored and shepherded, I need to wisely identify opportunities to mentor and shepherd. Both efforts, as guided by the Holy Spirit, will continue to cultivate and nurture the soil of my heart and mind to grow worry free deep roots and be fertile ground for God to do His perfect work in His perfect timing.
PRAYER:
Jesus, may I never squander our sideline the words You speak into my heart every time I open Your Word. Thank you for providing us the blueprint and I pray for the discipline and determination to follow and obey. Amen
