all eyes on jesus | the word

Mark presents the Parable of the Sower, a weighty teaching by Jesus that not only shows us something of the nature of God's kingdom but also provides insight into how we can better see and understand Jesus.

“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” Mark 4:3-6, NIV

In this parable, Jesus uses the metaphor of a sower scattering seeds on various types of soil, symbolising the way God's Word is received. The different soils represent the conditions of the human heart - some are hard, others shallow, and some crowded by concerns or bitterness, anger or trouble. But there are some that are open and receptive, ready to be sown into.

Jesus challenges us at first to consider the condition of our hearts but then to think about how much we are allowing God’s Word to transform us. How actively are we engaging with Jesus’ teachings? How much difference is his Word making in our lives? How much attention are we paying to getting rid of the obstacles that slow our spiritual growth? Do we want more?

I am preaching to myself. It doesn’t matter how many bible apps, physical bibles, commentaries, study notes, books on theology I gather, they’re no good unless I open them, read them, and apply what I read! I can't hope to see Jesus more clearly if I'm not cultivating a heart that is open to his Word.

Nor can I expect to reap any rewards. As a passionate amateur gardener I know just how much work goes into nurturing seeds in order to reap the sort of harvest that means I have surplus to give away to other people. 

Let God's word transform you today. Then watch for the harvest that will surely come.

Let's pray
Lord, help me carve out time to root your word in my life. Give me a vision of the rich harvest that will come from steadfastly holding to your word. Thank you that your word is living and active, it has the power to separate truth from lies, and does not return to you void. Help me fall in love with your word again. I know as I do I will fall increasingly in love with you. Amen.