Matthew 13:4-7 (NIV) 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.
5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.
6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.
As I ponder the passage above considering the sower instead of the soil the seed is sown in I’m impressed with the dedication of the sower. He continues to sow wherever he is. He lives his life surrendered to the LORD and sows faithfully during the normal living of his life. He doesn’t need a special situation or place. Sometimes he is intentional about sharing and casts his seeds on whoever is listening.
As the sower we only need to be concerned about sowing the seeds we have been given.
Even if we think a person will not be receptive or that we do not have enough seed to sow we need to trust Jesus and sow our seeds of faith. We do not know how it will be received. Only God knows. We are told to faithfully plant the seeds and trust God with the results. Jesus tells us about 3 kinds of bad soil and only 1 good soil. All seeds sown will not sprout and grow. We still need to sow. Some seeds will be fruitful.
We had a patch of soil one time that we planted a bush in and it died shortly after it was planted. My husband bought some fertilizer, new soil and a new bush. He worked the new soil and fertilizer into the existing dirt and planted the new bush. We were hopeful it would grow. We checked it every day. After a few months we noticed the bush was starting to wilt. We watered it and tried to keep it going but it still died.
That is the way it will be with people. We can plant the seeds, nurture and water them but each person has the choice to let the seeds of truth take root in their heart and life and grow to bear more fruit. Revelation 3:20 tells us that Jesus will stand at our door and knock. If we hear His knocking and open the door Jesus will come into our life. Every person has the choice. Jesus gives us the privilege of sowing His seeds but he does not make us responsible to make it bear fruit.
We need to prayerfully and faithfully sow the seeds of the truths of Jesus. We never know when those truths will take root and grow. If we don’t go and tell people we will never see fruit.
Will you join me in prayerfully sowing the seeds of the truths and promises of Jesus, that you know, to all those in your life?
Dear Heavenly Father,
We Love you and we want those in our life to love you too. Help us tell people about you. Remove any fear we have. Help us become strong and courageous witnesses for you.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen!
CJS