The first essential element of fruitfulness is the seed; we are to reproduce the seed of Christ in our lives. However, the type of soil a seed falls on determines whether it will sprout, grow and bear fruit, and also the quality of fruit it will bear.
No farmer wants wasted result from time, effort and money spent in farming. Therefore, farmers are very diligent in preparing the ground, knowing the fruit of their labour depends greatly on the condition of the soil. Every farmer expects a full harvest at the end of the season.
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER
Jesus told a parable to show us that the same applies to the kingdom of God, and that in the end, God expects fruit from our lives. However, the soil of our hearts is what determines whether we bear fruit or not; not the seed.
Mark 4:2-9 NLT
“[2] He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: [3] “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. [4] As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. [5] Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. [6] But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. [7] Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. [8] Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” [9] Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.””
This parable shows us four different ways in which we respond to the word of God. In this parable, the seed represents the message of the Kingdom of God; the seed is the Word of God, who is Jesus Christ.
The ground or soil, on the other hand, represents the various states of heart of those who hear the word of God at any given time. The word goes forth and produces 4 different results because it falls on 4 different types of hearts (soils). The differences in result is not because of the Word or message. The Word is incorruptible, constant, consistent and unchanging – the same yesterday, today and forever. The differences come about because of the state and quality of the soil of the hearts of the hearers.
Let’s explore the four types of ‘heart soils,” because we can all exhibit any of these types, one way or another, or at different times and phases of our lives.
1. WAYSIDE HEART ‘SOIL’
Mark 4:14-15 NLT
“[14] The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. [15] The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away.”
The first is the footpath or wayside soil; Jesus explained this type of soil, as hardened hearts that resist the word, or hearts that cannot grasp or comprehend the word. People whose hearts are hardened hear the word but do not understand it; they don’t make much effort to understand or remember it, and they certainly don’t practice it. They don’t read the word daily, or meditate on it, with the intention to obey it.
These do not come to church with any desire or plan to receive. They come before God as His people come, and sit as His people sit; but it is merely a social activity; they don’t really mind what is said, as it goes into one ear and comes out at the other; the word makes no impression on them.
The end result is that Satan comes and snatches the Word and it produces no fruit in the hearer. Unfortunately, many people, including believers, fall into this category. Sometime, we also, depending on the circumstances or the state of our hearts, resist the word and allow the enemy to “steal, kill or destroy it.” (John 10:10)
REFLECTION:
Regarding this series of teachings on becoming a fruitful branch of Christ; what sort of soil is my heart at this moment? Will the teachings produce any fruit in my life? SELAH.
For Further Reading: Mark 4
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)