I've long taught and heard this particular passage preached. Commentators divide on which of these soils are actually Christian and which are not. Some fall into the camp that if there is no fruit then you are not His. Others claim that if there is new life there is a new Christian, and three out of four are.
Whatever your stand on that, a Christian can take this parable, as you've done, and apply it to every truth that comes from the Word, given to a Christian. Is your heart plowed and prepared for the message you hear? Does Satan snatch the truth away before it can even germinate (do you look at your watch and wonder when lunch is?) Or does it sprout, but adversity comes and the truth is lost. (the sickness, the job loss, the mockery and ridicule, resistance or persecution) Or distractions and cares (money, job, possessions, other priorities) choke out the truth. Or does the truth you read take hold and change your life, and produce real fruit - a new ministry, a sacrificial gift to a missionary, etc. The difference here is not in the sower, the seed, or the sun, it's the SOIL, and that is the soil of your heart.
Lord, plow up my hard heart, and show me the stones I must pluck out, that I may be open and willing to hear and obey.
Thanks Chris. Great connection, I have not heard that song before but the video link you sent has a great imagery of that red clay. Thanks for taking time to comment, I know your a busy man. Good comment also about plowing and preparing hearts. Thank you kindly.
This is one of the parables Jesus told that has always made me uncomfortable. You pairing with notes from “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices” drives it home- there are so many areas our souls are easily snagged, so many places we are easily tempted to pursue anything that that is not “The One thing.” And still He is. He is full of compassion, long suffering, willing that all our hearts would turn to Him. Oh isn’t He beautiful! May He protect the hearts of His people, and cultivate them into good soil. Thank you for this devotional!
Thanks Paul. Really enjoyed your take on this parable. I like the audio recording BTW. Allows me to go about things while still taking in the message. We’ll done.
This is really good, Paul. Lots to think about- especially the soil of our own hearts. I spoke with a young man on the street last night who I met a few weeks ago and he told me then he was a believer. I never got a chance to hear his story, but last night at 2 am, I was out with my daughter and he told me he gone to Sunday school with his grandmother at a local church I recognized. Then while in jail, he was badly beaten and in his words...called out to Jesus afterwards and was flooded with the Holy Spirit. He went to church in jail and was mocked for it but he said he didnt care-he knew where hewas going. He was repentant about his life, as he is an addict but he is working at getting sober. My point in all this is that we never know what type of soil we are planting into and which seed takes hold. Some would say he is not a belliever by his lifestyle but I would say he is. That is a debate that may never be answered this side of Heaven. I encouraged him to continue to seek sobriety and to speak the gospel. That book sounds very interesting. I'm going to check it out. Thank you for such a thought provoking message.
I absolutely loved this read! There’s something about connecting with nature that resonates deeply with me, and this piece truly touched my heart. While I’m not familiar with the soil composition down south, up here in the Adirondacks of New York, the landscape is scattered with massive boulders that feel ancient and grounding. I felt a profound connection through your words. Thank you for sharing such an incredible post. I’ll continue to seek His word in my heart every day.
I understand the differences of soil. Living in south florida and in north alabama. Soil makes a difference. Even as I have attempted to garden over the last years.
Great word Paul, it has me pondering on the type of soil I am presenting myself for the Lord to grow and live out fruit.
Yes, as mentioned above, how do we maintain or add nutrients to the soil to ensure future planting produces a strong crop?
I like the following exhortation in Jude:
“But you, beloved, must remember the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; for they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.” It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”
I’m running a little behind these days on reading, our younger son and wife had their 4th baby last month…and my wife and I are part of the “support staff.” But I make sure I read your Luke devotional, always something good there, and I really appreciate the opportunity to contribute!
What a great final question for us to ponder! The soil of our hearts indeed is something worth thinking on.
It also makes me think of how good soil needs to be managed and cultivated. We must regularly add things to our hearts, while also weed away the bad. We must check our hearts and its condition, and fertilize when necessary.
A great commentary on the Parable of the Sower. I particularly liked the insightful words on how the devil or our old-nature rationalises sin by saying, for example, "Oh, if I sin, I can always repent easily."
Your opening comments reminded me of the opening lines to this song by Lobo. You probably aren't old enough to remember it, but if you are, you know, and that red clay has always been a thing all down the SouthEast Coast of the US. https://youtu.be/_6lgsH-z1pc?si=9d8nMOZ6tPVSqB-2
Wonderful teaching, Paul. The message completely resonates with me particularly because the season I am in began with hearing a word from the Lord. A seed was planted and continues to grow. There has been heavy opposition to the word that was sown. This is confirmation. I am grateful🙏🏾
I've been looking at the parables recently and this one has always fascinated me. I’ve rarely considered the birds. I guess Ive been too focused on the soil.
I've long taught and heard this particular passage preached. Commentators divide on which of these soils are actually Christian and which are not. Some fall into the camp that if there is no fruit then you are not His. Others claim that if there is new life there is a new Christian, and three out of four are.
Whatever your stand on that, a Christian can take this parable, as you've done, and apply it to every truth that comes from the Word, given to a Christian. Is your heart plowed and prepared for the message you hear? Does Satan snatch the truth away before it can even germinate (do you look at your watch and wonder when lunch is?) Or does it sprout, but adversity comes and the truth is lost. (the sickness, the job loss, the mockery and ridicule, resistance or persecution) Or distractions and cares (money, job, possessions, other priorities) choke out the truth. Or does the truth you read take hold and change your life, and produce real fruit - a new ministry, a sacrificial gift to a missionary, etc. The difference here is not in the sower, the seed, or the sun, it's the SOIL, and that is the soil of your heart.
Lord, plow up my hard heart, and show me the stones I must pluck out, that I may be open and willing to hear and obey.
Thanks Chris. Great connection, I have not heard that song before but the video link you sent has a great imagery of that red clay. Thanks for taking time to comment, I know your a busy man. Good comment also about plowing and preparing hearts. Thank you kindly.
This is one of the parables Jesus told that has always made me uncomfortable. You pairing with notes from “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices” drives it home- there are so many areas our souls are easily snagged, so many places we are easily tempted to pursue anything that that is not “The One thing.” And still He is. He is full of compassion, long suffering, willing that all our hearts would turn to Him. Oh isn’t He beautiful! May He protect the hearts of His people, and cultivate them into good soil. Thank you for this devotional!
Thanks Hannah. Good thoughts
Thanks Paul. Really enjoyed your take on this parable. I like the audio recording BTW. Allows me to go about things while still taking in the message. We’ll done.
This is really good, Paul. Lots to think about- especially the soil of our own hearts. I spoke with a young man on the street last night who I met a few weeks ago and he told me then he was a believer. I never got a chance to hear his story, but last night at 2 am, I was out with my daughter and he told me he gone to Sunday school with his grandmother at a local church I recognized. Then while in jail, he was badly beaten and in his words...called out to Jesus afterwards and was flooded with the Holy Spirit. He went to church in jail and was mocked for it but he said he didnt care-he knew where hewas going. He was repentant about his life, as he is an addict but he is working at getting sober. My point in all this is that we never know what type of soil we are planting into and which seed takes hold. Some would say he is not a belliever by his lifestyle but I would say he is. That is a debate that may never be answered this side of Heaven. I encouraged him to continue to seek sobriety and to speak the gospel. That book sounds very interesting. I'm going to check it out. Thank you for such a thought provoking message.
PS-i just watched a short video in which a woman used Iron Out to get that red soil off her sons white baseball uniforms.
I absolutely loved this read! There’s something about connecting with nature that resonates deeply with me, and this piece truly touched my heart. While I’m not familiar with the soil composition down south, up here in the Adirondacks of New York, the landscape is scattered with massive boulders that feel ancient and grounding. I felt a profound connection through your words. Thank you for sharing such an incredible post. I’ll continue to seek His word in my heart every day.
Thank you kindly friend.
I understand the differences of soil. Living in south florida and in north alabama. Soil makes a difference. Even as I have attempted to garden over the last years.
Great word Paul, it has me pondering on the type of soil I am presenting myself for the Lord to grow and live out fruit.
Thanks brother. Has me pondering also, gotta get some of those weeds and thorns out, might involve some labor. I appreciate you.
Yes, as mentioned above, how do we maintain or add nutrients to the soil to ensure future planting produces a strong crop?
I like the following exhortation in Jude:
“But you, beloved, must remember the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; for they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.” It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”
Jude 1:17-21 NRSV
Wise reflections Chuck, thank you and like the verse in Jude.
I’m running a little behind these days on reading, our younger son and wife had their 4th baby last month…and my wife and I are part of the “support staff.” But I make sure I read your Luke devotional, always something good there, and I really appreciate the opportunity to contribute!
Congrats brother.
That’s so exciting! Congratulations and keep up the great work in spreading the truth of God’s love to all of us!
What a great final question for us to ponder! The soil of our hearts indeed is something worth thinking on.
It also makes me think of how good soil needs to be managed and cultivated. We must regularly add things to our hearts, while also weed away the bad. We must check our hearts and its condition, and fertilize when necessary.
Appreciate the thoughts Paul.
Thank you kindly for your comments and perspective. I enjoyed searching through the Parable to find some takeaways that are practical to us all.
A great commentary on the Parable of the Sower. I particularly liked the insightful words on how the devil or our old-nature rationalises sin by saying, for example, "Oh, if I sin, I can always repent easily."
Thank you Chris for the input and sharing. Yes I like that perspective from Thomas Watson was very insightful.
Your opening comments reminded me of the opening lines to this song by Lobo. You probably aren't old enough to remember it, but if you are, you know, and that red clay has always been a thing all down the SouthEast Coast of the US. https://youtu.be/_6lgsH-z1pc?si=9d8nMOZ6tPVSqB-2
Wonderful teaching, Paul. The message completely resonates with me particularly because the season I am in began with hearing a word from the Lord. A seed was planted and continues to grow. There has been heavy opposition to the word that was sown. This is confirmation. I am grateful🙏🏾
Really enjoyed this, Paul. I love the format.
I've been looking at the parables recently and this one has always fascinated me. I’ve rarely considered the birds. I guess Ive been too focused on the soil.
Thanks for putting this together!