Matthew 13:1-9
This parable in Matthew 13 represents the spiritual growth of man, in it Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a person who sows good seed in a field. The man represents God, and the seed is His message. Just as a planted seed starts to grow, the word of God starts to deepen and grow within a person. There are four soils named in Matthew 13, "one is by the wayside, one is stony, one thorny and the forth is the good ground".
1. The first seed falls by the wayside or on the path. The bird represents Satan. This soil
refers to the heart of people who hear the message, but it is immediately lost because they are focused on other things. These are the people who don’t live a good Christian life (Matt 13:4)
2. The seed that falls on the stony ground represents the heart of those who respond with
enthusiasm, but the word of God does not sink in deep. The seed soon sprouts, but when
persecution or hard times (the sun) come along; these give up at once. They are initially
attracted but cannot commit to the Christian lifestyle.
3. The seed that fell on the thorny soil is the man who hears the word, but the worry of this life chokes it, causing the plants to die, making it unfruitful. They are too concerned with what others think, they worry too much, or may be jealous, angry or concerned with
materialism.
4. But the heart of the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word, understands it and live it in their lives. These people have strong faith and
remain dedicated to a Christian lifestyle, even when things are difficult. These people
The Bible says, "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord." Proverbs 16:1.
The Bible says, "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord." Proverbs 16:1.
God is ready to draw you near to him and soften your heart with his mercy and love.
His preparations may include removing the people, activities, and other things that are
influencing you negatively. These could be those things that distract you from fulfilling your calling in life and bearing fruit for The Kingdom. God will remove a toxic relationship or a destructive habit from you. And instead of hating what He is doing, thank Him! He is simply preparing you for something greater than what you have lost.
As God prepares us, He longs for us to till (soften) the soil of our hearts. With the help of The Holy Spirit, we can then become receptive to the seed of his word, to his presence, his will and his love.
"But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; While it is said, today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation" Hebrews 3:13-15
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