It's always a blessing for me to revisit the parable of the soils found in Luke 8, Matthew 13, and Mark 4. I guess it's a kind of "heart check". . .am I bearing fruit as the one true test of a changed life in Christ? In the parable, Jesus is explaining to his followers that anyone who shares God's Word is a "sower," and the hearers of the Word are classified into four types of "soils" or souls of men. The first soil, or soul, is referred to as the wayside, where the Word doesn't take root because the seed falls on ground that hasn't been cultivated, the hardened heart. The second soil represents the shallow heart. There is a veneer of soil on top of the stony earth, allowing for an initial response to the Word, but it quickly withers as soon as temptations come along. The third soil is described as the thorny ground, the preoccupied heart. There is a response to the Word of God, but it perishes over time as the cares of life choke God out. This heart is captivated by riches, pleasures or other passions, and those pursuits take precedence over a relationship with the Lord. The last soil, the good soil, is the responsive heart. In contrast to the other hearts, this heart genuinely receives God's Word with gladness and is changed from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh, resulting in a life of obedience to Christ.
So I have to ask myself: Is my heart preoccupied with earthly desires and pursuits? Is my life consistent in my private life as it is in church? Am I growing in my love of Christ? Does this love manifest itself in a love and concern for others? Am I using my spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ?
Jesus ended the teaching of this parable with this command, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" The Word of God demands more than just listening. Those with "ears to hear" delight in the mystery of redemption that is hidden in the person and work of Christ and the building of his kingdom.
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