“WHAT KIND OF DIRT ARE YOU?”
(Matthew 13:1-53; Mark 4:1-34; Luke 8:4-18)
“And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘A sower went out to sow…’” – Matthew 13:3
The text we read today has usually been referred to as “The Parable of the Sower.” However, it would really be more appropriately called “The Parable of the Soils.” You see, within the parable, the sower is always the same man, who always spreads (sows) the same seed. The only thing different in each example is the type of soil that the seed lands upon.
We need to recognize that Jesus is the sower, and the seed is His Word. And, each of us, to a greater or lesser degree, are a type of one of the soils found in the parable.
When you read or hear the Word of God, it can have one of these four responses:
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- Hardened path dirt – the “seed” – the Word of God – cannot grow.
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- Rocky ground with not much dirt – the “seed” immediately grows, but quickly dies
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- Dirt mixed with weeds – the “seed” grows, but is quickly choaked out by “weeds” – cares of this life.
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- Good soil – the “seed” grows and bears much fruit!
Simple Truth:
Hearing the Word of God will only have a positive effect on our life if we allow ourselves to be “good soil,” not distracted by the things of this world.
Reflections & Application:
- Let’s expand for a moment on this parable… what kind of “fertilizer” are you applying to the soil so that the seed of God’s Word will grow. Regular times of prayer, faithful church attendance, devoted times of worship. That’s a good “fertilizer” mixture to allow God’s Word to grow within you!
- Don’t allow others to come and plant “weeds” in your soil! (Matthew 13:24-30)
- Of course, be sure to “water” the “seed” with great times of devotions!
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of eternal life though Jesus Christ. And, I thank You for Your Word. I hide Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You. May I today, and every day, place a priority upon planting the seed of Your Word in my heart, so that I may live a life pleasing and acceptable to You. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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