Faith: Seeds and Soil

This past week our Life Group has been studying the parable of the seed and the sower. This parable is found in Mark 4. A farmer went to plant some seed. The farmer was doing what farmers do. They sow seed. He was using a broadcast method–throwing the seed out onto the soil. Some of the seed fell on a footpath, and birds came along and ate them. Some fell on shallow soil and they initially took root, but there was hard rock under the shallow soil and those plants eventually died. Some fell in an area that had thorns and even though they also grew–eventually the thorns choked the good seed. Finally, Jesus gives us some good news—some of the seed fell on fertile soil and produced thirty, sixty and even one hundred fold!

As I was reading through this parable, I was thinking about the seed. Each seed had the potential to produce good fruit. It cost the farmer to purchase the seed, and yet he broadcasted the seed into areas where he probably knew they would not grow. As disciples of Christ, it is our responsibility to sow the seed.–God’s truth into those who do not know Him. Pastors and teachers of many or few, old or young faithfully sow into the hearts of the hearers–expectant for the planting to take root and bear fruit.

I want us to take a look at God’s promises about the seed. To put our trust and release our faith in the power of the seed. Jesus begins to unpack the meaning of this parable in Mark 4: 14: the farmer plants by taking God’s word to others. (NLT). Obviously the seed Jesus is talking about it God’s Word. Let us not grow weary in sowing God’s word by refreshing ourselves in the truth of the power of His Word.

Hebrews 4: 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires

The promise in Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

the Word of God always produces fruit and it will accomplish all He wants it to. To those of you who are teaching young children–release your faith as you pour into these little ones. Do not be afraid to encourage them to memorize scripture–no matter their protests! When I was in the fifth grade our Sunday School teacher had us memorize for (stickers only) Psalm 100, Psalm 23, and the Lord’s Prayer to name a few. I still remember these words and God uses them to encourage, exhort and comfort me. I don’t remember her name, but I remember the Word! Release your faith when you pray God’s Word over your spouse, finances, or other troubles. The joy about having a relationship with Jesus is the blessing that He is true to His Word. Remember He is the Word, which became flesh to dwell among us!

We must remember the Word of God is alive and powerful. We may look at some of the soil God asks us to sow into and think, truly they must be the shallow ones, or the thorny ones–but it is not our job to judge soil quality. It is up to the Lord and them. It is up to us to make sure our soil is good and able to receive His Word so it produces the fruit He desires.

Our enemy would like to discourage us from sowing God’s Word. But we must remember, Romans 10:14:

14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?

It is our call to share His Word. Let’s do it in faith and with faith!