He who has ears to hear, let him hear - Matthew 13:9.
In the parable of Sower, Jesus described four types of soil and related the soil to that of our hearts and the seed that is sown to that of the Word of God. Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever - 1 Peter 1:23. My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding - Proverbs 2:1,2. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it - Proverbs 4:23.
The Hard Soil
The seed, which fell along the path, represents those who hear the Word and does not understand it. As their heart is hard, the devil comes and easily snatches away what was sown in their heart. They will not believe and be saved.
And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them - Matthew 13:4.
When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside - Matthew 13:19.
The Stony Soil
The seed that fell on rocky soil are those who receive the Word with joy, but it never takes root. They believe for a while, but when there is a time of testing they fall away from the Lord without producing any fruit.
Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away - Matthew 13:5,6.
But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles - Matthew 13:20,21.
The Thorny Soil
The seed that fell among the thorns are those who hear the Word, but thorns that are life’s worries, riches, and pleasures choked them becoming unfruitful.
And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them - Matthew 13:7.
Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful - Matthew 13:22.
The seed that fell on good ground represents those who receive and love the Word, keep it in their hearts, bear fruit and yield harvest.
But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty -Matthew 13:8.
But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty - Matthew 13:23.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, Like good soil, let our heart receive Your Word, bear fruit and yield harvest. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
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