Guaranteed Return on the Investment
Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23
3. And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6. but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. 7. Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9. He who has ears, let him hear." . . . 18. "Hear then the parable of the sower. 19. When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. 20. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21. yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22. As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23. As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."
I have heard this parable throughout my life. I don’t remember ever reading verses 18-23 before! God reveals new wonders every day! Of course, we must be open and receptive to what He chooses to reveal! And that leads into discussion of this scripture today!
The sower here actually refers to us—as we spread the word of God in the world/on the earth. At various points in my life I have lived out each of the scenarios represented in this parable. I think all of us have, it’s only human. As we mature in our faith, we become like the fertile soil, and the roots of the seeds grow down deep and the stalks become strong and resilient. But I’ve sure spent a lot of time on that rocky soil, too!
When we’re new in our faith, we are so excited and anxious to testify to the good news and rejoice in our new relationship with Jesus Christ! But without continued study, without reading the bible, spending time in prayer and reflection, and unless we seek out others more mature in their faith, we start to “fizzle out” and can become disillusioned. At the first sign of trouble, we revert back to our old ways—Satan loves that! He actually is very happy every time there is a new believer—because he knows it will just be a matter of time before he’ll have and opportunity to seize upon their distress and overcome their new and fragile faith.
Then there are those who hear the word, who know the truth of the Risen Lord, but choose to stay in the world. They may go to church every week, but that’s about it—they “talk the talk” but never really “walk the walk.” They choose to spend all their time wrapped up in worldly pursuits and allow themselves to be influenced by the media and by non-believers and have only themselves to fall back on when trouble comes. That’s when they blame God and loose their faith. Because they have not pursued a relationship with God, they have nothing to support them in times of despair, fear, uncertainty.
The good soil refers to a foundation of faith that includes attending worship, praying, reading scripture, participating in studies to gain a deeper, broader understanding of how to apply the lessons in the bible. It also includes choosing to not be “of the world.” It means going against conventional wisdom sometimes, and it may involve making choices about how you spend your time, your money, your energy and your life that seem silly—even crazy to others! But God promises us that it will be worth the investment – and the ridicule!
Jesus gave us His very life! He modeled perfect faith, perfect obedience. Did He ask God to save Him from what was to come? Yes. But did He also submit to God’s will? We know He did! In light of that sacrifice; in comparison to what He endured, how can we make any other choices except those that glorify God and fulfill His will for our lives?!
I hope today you spend time thinking and praying about God’s will for your life, and that you invest your time and energy in a future that yields real and wonderful returns!
Mary
