Thursday, October 29, 2009

Your Fallow Ground









Jesus used examples from everyday life when He told the parable of the four types of soil. Wayside soil is too hard for seed to take root. It represents hard people who do not hear the gospel even when it is clearly stated for them.

Stony ground lacks nourishing soil. Seed planted in it withers when conditions are dry. It represents people who are open to aspects of God's Word but who do not establish a vital connection with God because they do not receive spiritual nourishment. Their Christian life withers when they suffer adverse circumstances.

Thorny ground has weeds that rob the seed of moisture so the seed will not develop as it should. It represents people who receive the Word, but who struggle because so much of their effort is focused on other things. The life of God's Word is chocked by weeds of pride.

Finally, good ground provides ideal growing conditions for seed. It represents people who hear the word [seed], accept it, and bear fruit. (Mk. 4:20a NKJV)

The exciting thing about the four soils is that none of the conditions is permanent. If left to itself, the best soil becomes hard and cracked like a wayside, but it can be plowed and worked again. Farmers can bring stones to the surface of the stony ground so the stones can be removed. Farmers can also look for ways to control weeds. Good farmers change the nature of the soil, and when they have prepared the soil, they plant their seed.

The same is true for the soil of people’s hearts. God prepares our soil. We can resist His work in our life or we can invite Him to help us. God—the master farmer—has a message for the people who desire to receive Him in faith. He is the one who plants His seed, but people can open themselves up to receive the preparation of their hearts.

The prophet Hosea said, Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you. (Hos. 10:12b) If we are willing to acknowledge and confess our sin, we fulfill the one condition necessary to receive God's grace. When we see ourselves as we are, we value God as He is. Then we are ready to seek the Lord.

Originally published March 14, 1986.
Picture: from Karen's garden, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

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