"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 4:3-8
In this parable Jesus is drawing an analogy between farming (sowing and cultivating the land) and sharing the gospel (sowing and cultivating hearts). In either case, when we sow (or plant) we don't always get the same results. People differ as much as soils so it is easy to become discouraged when we don't see positive results after sharing our faith with others. We must never forget that our job is to be faithful and sow the good seed we have been given (the Word) and the rest is up to God. Just as the farmer plants his crop and trusts that the rain will come, we must trust in the Lord to bring in the crop. The Apostle Paul recognized this principal when he said, "I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow." (1Cor 3:6). You may never live to see the bountiful harvest that comes from your labor but know that you are in great company-neither did Paul. So, just as the diligent farmer endures, continue to share the Word that you have received and pray to the Father for the increase. Your efforts will not go unrewarded if you endure.
Pastor Frank Dodson
In this parable Jesus is drawing an analogy between farming (sowing and cultivating the land) and sharing the gospel (sowing and cultivating hearts). In either case, when we sow (or plant) we don't always get the same results. People differ as much as soils so it is easy to become discouraged when we don't see positive results after sharing our faith with others. We must never forget that our job is to be faithful and sow the good seed we have been given (the Word) and the rest is up to God. Just as the farmer plants his crop and trusts that the rain will come, we must trust in the Lord to bring in the crop. The Apostle Paul recognized this principal when he said, "I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow." (1Cor 3:6). You may never live to see the bountiful harvest that comes from your labor but know that you are in great company-neither did Paul. So, just as the diligent farmer endures, continue to share the Word that you have received and pray to the Father for the increase. Your efforts will not go unrewarded if you endure.
Pastor Frank Dodson
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