“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Luke 8:5-8 (ESV)
In reading the parable of the sower in Luke 8, have you ever contemplated where you are in your spiritual journey? The seed represents God’s word. Let’s break down the four ways God’s word can be received in one’s life.
The seeds that are out in the open, lying on the ground, represent those that hear God’s word however, they can be easily tempted and fall away rather quickly. They feel good about giving their lives to God initially but, if they don’t fully understand God’s word, instead of choosing to learn and seek to get closer to Him, they allow themselves to be easily persuaded and lured away.
The seeds found on rocky ground represent those who hear God’s messages and are filled with immense joy. However, when trials and stresses of life appear (and they always will), they fall away because they too never sought to have a closer, deeper relationship with God and His word. They never allowed their roots (faith, trust & belief) in God to grow so when times become hard, they leave and no longer follow God.
As for the seed that falls among the thorns, it represents those who allow the constant allure of pleasures and riches of this world, to pull them away from walking with God and reading/studying His word.
However, the seed that falls on good soil represents those who seek to have a relationship with God. If they do not understand some of the passages in the Bible, instead of quitting, they will seek to get clarification. If troubles in this life fall on them and/or their loved ones, they run to God, as opposed to running away. They enjoy the wholesome pleasures the world offers but, they do not allow it to interfere with their walk, with their relationship with God.
As you contemplate your life, and where you are in regard to your walk with God, I pray you allow the seed (God’s word) to fall on good soil. In reading the verses from the Bible as well as the descriptions above, allowing the seed to grow in good soil is not automatic. It’s not something superficial that one just thinks about, and suddenly happens. It takes consistent action in order to allow God’s seed, His word, to grow deep and strong roots in you.
Blessings,
Angélique
To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com