The Parable of the Sower.

And seed fell on good soil.

The parable of the sower is about a farmer who scatters seed. Some of the seed falls on a path. Some into rocky places. Some among thorns and some in good soil. It describes what physically happens to the seeds.

Then Jesus explains its spiritual meaning:-

"Listen to what the parable of the sower means: when anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the words but the worries of his life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." Matthew 13:18-23.

Read all of Matthew 13 for the full parable.

I recently received two books from a person who made a commitment to Christ many years ago. While there were a lot of significant points in helping and improving one's life, the authors had a tendency to mix Christianity with eastern religion.

One of the books acknowledges Christ and refers to many biblical passages but also quotes Zen Buddhism and other religions. The other book has prayers in it and at first glance appears to be a Christian book because the prayers are to God. However as you read on, you find that there is no mention of Jesus Christ but only of illumination and light. There isn't a clear stance on what they perceive God to be and no mention of him as the trinity.

In fact, the books underlyingly suggest that god could be anything that you hold to be god and that there are many ways to get to god.

However the Bible says that there is only one God and the first few (of the Ten) Commandments in the Old Testament focuses on this point. The Bible also states that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ.

Jesus answered; "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". John 14:6.

Jesus said to Martha in John 11:25: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies".

Did you know that:-

"All scripture (the Bible) is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16,17.

As we see from 2 Timothy, the Holy Bible is the most important book that we can read. We need to examine it regularly to see if spiritual claims from others are true. We need to encourage Christians that are young in their faith to do likewise.

Like the parable of the sower, we want spiritual growth to be set in good soil where it cannot be uprooted, corrupted or snatched away.

Lord, water me with the Holy Spirit in the good soil of your word (the Holy Bible) where my roots are anchored in Jesus Christ. Amen!


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