Which Soil Are You? - Back to the Basics, Part 2

Approximately one-third of Jesus’ teachings were done in parables. Matthew 13:1-23 is one of my favorites given to the general public - to the great multitudes by the sea. Jesus starts, “Behold, a sower went out to sow.” Then, proceeded to explain the type of soil the seeds fell upon.

Some fell by the wayside. Birds came and devoured them, illustrating how the wicked one comes and snatches the seed away due to lack of understanding when someone receives it - the Word - by the wayside. This is the hard heart. Are you reaching out from fear, not really understanding Scripture, so when life returns to some semblance of order after this pandemic blows over, you will return to the lifestyle you led before it hit - without Christ’s love and protection… without a sincere life-changing commitment?

Some fell on stony places. Sun scorched and ended up withering away because they had no root. This illustrates how someone hears the Word and immediately receives it with joy, but due to not taking root endures only for a while. This is the shallow heart. When tribulation or persecution results - even after COVID-19 - will you immediately stumble?

Yet other seeds fell among thorns. They sprang up and were choked. A representation of those who hear the Word, but the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke it out. This is the crowded heart. Will you become unfruitful… paralyzed… immobilized due to anxiety or greed during these and future uncertain times?

Then, the final seed. It fell upon good ground… good soil… and yielded a crop thirty… sixty… hundredfold! This represents those who hear the Word, UNDERSTAND it, and actually APPLY it in their lives, bearing fruit to exponential measure. This is the soft heart.

Jesus spoke in parables as a teaching method to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 13:11) The parable of soils is a parable of hearing. This parable warned that unless the mind and heart hears the Word of God the teaching of the parable would be meaningless. There is nothing wrong with the seed - it is the SOIL! Which soil are you?

He who has ears to hear, let him hear! (Matthew 13:9) Will you choose to have blessed eyes - for they truly see, and blessed ears - for they truly hear?

Has this devotional stirred something inside you? Please comment below. I would LOVE to hear from you! Take care, stay safe, and stay healthy! 🥰