I was very inspired recently as I revisited Luke 8:4-15. Jesus tells a parable to a large crowd and then explains the meaning to His disciples. In the parable of the sower, there are several observations we can make that will cause us to take another look at our walk with God. First, read the parable below (NASB). Immediately following each section of the parable, is Jesus’ explanation of what each part of the parable meant.
I. Soil #1, Road Kill
5“The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled under foot and the birds of the air ate it up.
11“Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God.
12“Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved.
II. Soil #2, Life on the Rocks
6“Other seed fell on rocky soil, and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
13“Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away.
III. Soil #3, Thorns putting on the Choke Hold
7“Other seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it out.
14“The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
IV. Soil #4, Good Soil – Producing Huge Crop
8“Other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great.”
15“But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.
First, you will notice that there are four sections, each explaining a different type of soil. Second, three of the four soils are dangerous to the seed growing. Third, Satan could be playing a part and influencing three of the four soils. Fourth, it takes major effort, and a strong reliance on God in order to be that good soil that can produce a huge crop.
Notice in verse 15 that the Word of God needs to be planted in an honest and good heart. The word honest can carry the possible meaning to be free of fraud and deception, to be genuine, humble and real. The word good could carry the meaning of being upright and honorable. The word heart could mean: the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors.
When we read and apply God’s word, are we taking it to our hearts with a right attitude, that of being honest and good? Are we holding fast (believing, meditating on, and staking our lives on) the Word of God? As we apply God’s Word and bear spiritual fruit, are we doing this with perseverance, steadfastness and endurance? Our words, attitudes, work and everything we do each day, should reflect what God desires for us according to His Word.
If we do not hang on to God’s Word, obeying it and fully trusting Him, what could affect us are some of the characteristics of the first three types of soil. We have to be proactive to hold on to God and His Word so we can bear eternal fruit for Him on campus.
Surviving The Summer
I want to encourage you this week to help get the principles of the “More Then A Summer Survivor” document into the hands of all your students. Here it is: http://godsquad.com/summer/guide.pdf The ideas in this document are important to helping you remain in the good soil and allowing God to use you and to truly have an eternal impact while we are on this earth. Together, let’s be the good soil that will “produce a crop a hundred times as great.”
Talk to you next week,
Ben Rivera/The GodSquad Team