The Parable Explained 4

Scripture: Luke 8:9-18

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. 15 And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. 16 “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. 17 For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all. 18 “So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.” (Luke 8:11,13-18 NLT)

Good Soil. Because we have ears to hear and hearts to understand, you and I are good soil. The Good seed of God’s word that has fallen on our hearts can take deep root and grow up to produce much fruit. But even good soil needs some care.

Jean and I have learned much from a woman from our church who is a Master Gardener and oversees gardening resources in our region for one of our State Universities. Our friend introduced us to the term “Amending the soil”. Even good soil needs to be “amended” from time to time. This is done by adding nutrients between growing seasons, by mixing in organic matter to keep the soil from compacting, by tilling and raking the soil to remove rocks and clear out weeds.

I believe this principle of amending the soil applies to the good soil of our hearts as well as to our gardens. The Holy Spirit is a Master Gardener and as the Good Seed is planted and cultivated in our lives, there’s a continuing process of adding nutrients through our life seasons, of keeping us soft and pliable, and of “tilling” our soil to progressively remove weeds and stones.

There’s a place inside us that has always said “Yes” to Jesus. We say “Yes” to his teaching and example. We say “Yes” to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. We say “Yes” to the Father’s love and purpose for our lives. That “Yes” in our hearts becomes a “Yes” in our minds, our decisions, and our actions!

We’re Good Soil people who follow Jesus with a “Yes”, respond to the Holy Spirit with a “Yes”, and receive God’s love with a resounding “Yes, Father!”

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for loving us just as we are and loving us enough to not leave us just as we were! We say ‘Yes” to your on-going work of grace in our lives. For Jesus’ Sake!