Mixed Result
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus first speaks of “anyone who hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.” (v.19) When there is no understanding, the Word does not take root. The devil sees his opportunity, and snatches away the seed. He swoops down as a bird with laser-sharp vision, speed, and skill. There is a spiritual battle going on we sow God’s Word in our homes, churches, and communities. Let us pray that the seed of God’s Word would take root, and that the devil’s schemes would be frustrated.
Next, Jesus speaks of seed “sown on rocky ground…the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation of persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away” (v. 20). This person hears the message of Jesus, but doesn’t consider it deeply. Like the impulse buyer in the car showroom, he takes it for a test drive, loves the feel of it, and signs up. There is some initial enthusiasm, but no true root. When the sun rises and the temperature climbs – when persecution comes– the seed is scorched and he falls away. An initial, enthusiastic response to the Word of God is not always true conversion. Let us pray that the Gospel would so grip our minds and hearts that we would persevere, by God’s grace, come what may.
Next comes the seed “sown among thorns…the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (v. 22) Here is someone who makes a response to the Gospel, but then is enticed by riches. This is the young man who has aspirations for a certain kind of lifestyle and is burdened with concerns (e.g. car payments, career advancement). While the Gospel is not explicitly rejected, it is choked out. There’s no space or time. Jesus speaks of the “deceitfulness of riches” because they falsely promise to eliminate struggles. Let us guard our hearts from the dazzling lies surrounding wealth.
The good news is that “what was sown on good soil…is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” (v. 23) The seed sown on rich, tilled, fertile soil germinates and puts down deep roots. It produces a bumper crop. We are all one type of soil. What type are you? May the Lord in His kindness render our hearts fertile ground for His Word today. Be encouraged and keep sowing because, despite all the setbacks and discouragements, there will be a great harvest to come!