Growing

It's garden planting time! Do you have YOUR garden planted yet? Will it grow?

There's lots of decisions to be made before we plant those seeds, like what shall we plant? Do we need fertilizer added to the soil? How often should we water? So many decisions to make!

Jesus talks about the sowing of seeds in Matthew 13. He speaks about how some seeds falls on different types of soil, the seed's root depth and how some will wither in the sun. Jesus isn't really talking about gardening but sharing the Gospel.

Jesus eventually explains this parable to His disciples. It's that explanation that has caused me to think a bit more deeply this morning. Here is the parable's explanation.

"When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” - Matthew 13:19-23

There are a few things to think about when considering this parable. One is the sower. The sower is God. Another thing to remember is that we are NOT the seeds! We are the soil. The seed is the Gospel. The seed is the same no matter who hears it. It all comes out of the same bag - The Bible.

We, the soil, are what's different. Some people are more willing to receive the Word of God than others. God can also change our ability to grow. He might add a life-changing experience to our lives or show is what an example of good spoil looks like.

Sadly, there are people in our lives who will never understand the Gospel. They WILL perish. That's just the way it is. Other people will hear the Gospel and pretend to be Christians. They too will wither and fade away.

Our job is NOT to save the lost and the perishing. Our job is to grow! The saving is God's job. God might use us to help save someone but the work is all His. He is the gardener.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16