MATHEW 13:18-23

Our Lord and Savior Jesus tells the parable about the farmer who went out to
sow and watches as it falls to the ground. Some of the seed lands on the nearby
pathway, other lands in a rocky patch, some falls among thorns, while other seed
finds its destination on the good soil of the field.

The seed sown along the path was eaten up by birds, which represent Satan, the
evil one. Jesus says, in Mathew13 verse 19, these are people who have hardened
hearts. The devil comes to erase any truth in the unbeliever’s mind–he may retain
the words, but their effect will be nullified, hence no salvation. The seed that falls
on rocky places has a little bit of soil on top of the rock, which leads to instant
sprouting but for lack of commitment to the truth, quickly falls away under any
kind of persecution, hence no salvation. The third kind of person with heart
trouble is represented by the seed sown among thorns. Seeds that fall “among
thorns” are people who are too easily pulled away from the cares and trappings
of the world, revealing their commitment as superficial, hence no salvation. Jesus
says some people have very fertile soil in their hearts, and they embrace the

Word of God and see amazing growth, some 100-fold, some 60-fold, and some
30-fold. Seeds that fall on “good soil” will always produce fruit, hence salvation.

Beloved children of the Most High God, salvation is nearer to us now than when
we first believed and the hour has come for us to wake from sleep. The Christian
faith is not merely a one-time confession of Christ accompanied by occasional
church attendance. Lukewarm faith is alive and well in churches today. We need
to share the good news of Jesus with everyone, trust God to bring the growth and
cooperate with God in the growth He wants to bring in us.

PRAYER FOCUS. Our Father and our Lord, help us to desire you as much as you
desire us and to share your good news with others you put in our path.