Matthew 13:23 New International Version (NIV)
23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone
who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop,
yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
Jesus began to teach the disciples from a boat on the Sea of
Galilee.
This is sometimes known as His Sermon on the Sea. It is very
likely that it was springtime when the Lord was telling this story, and
probably those listening could see a sower on the hillside going forth to sow.
Perhaps they could see where the seeds were being scattered: on a path, on
rocky places, among thorns and thistles, and on good soil. Jesus explains the
parable of the sower first by telling them that the seed represents the message
of the kingdom, an invisible, spiritual, heavenly kingdom that goes beyond what
we can comprehend with our five senses. The seed of the kingdom refers to God’s
promise of power and righteousness for the salvation of everyone who believes.
(Romans 1:16-17) The key to the seed bearing fruit is the condition of the
soil. Similarly, our hearts must be prepared if we are to receive the Word of
God. Jesus explains the parable: When anyone hears the message of the kingdom
and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown
in his heart. (Matthew 13:19) The seed that falls on rocky places is the man
who hears the Word and receives it with joy, but because he has no root, he
quickly falls away when trouble comes. The seed that falls among thorns is the
man who hears the Word, but the worries of this life choke it out. But the seed
that falls on good soil is the man who hears the Word and understands it. The
Word bears fruit in his life yielding thirty, sixty or one hundred times what
was sown.
Has the Word of God born fruit in your life? Is the soil or
the condition of your heart tilled and ready to receive God’s Word? Or is your
heart hardened so that the seed is choked out by the cares of the world? If you
are willing to allow the Lord to prepare your heart, you will find that His
Word will transform your life, and you will know the joy that His Word brings.
Thought for today:
What is the evidence of God in my life?
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