Inhospitable Soils

Luke 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

These soils represent the heart of the hearer and the degree of receptiveness to God’s Word.

The Inhospitable Soils:

1. Way Side Soil- packed down from foot traffic. So much is going on that there is not an opportunity for the seed to do its thing. This soil provides enough rich dirt to sprout the seed, but it would soon to be devoured by the fouls or trampled down by the heavy traffic.

2. Rock Hard Soil - Again, there was enough dirt residing on the rock to allow the seed to germinate, but rocks absorb the heat of the day, dissipating any moisture and depleting the plant. Much like the grass of a lawn adjacent to the concrete of the sidewalk and driveway in the heat of the summer, it begins to brown and gives way to weeds.

3. Thorn Laden Soil - Thorns and weeds are part of the Genesis curse which remind us of the ruinous effects of sin. Seed sewn among weeds are always overcome by offensive briars and thistles. Good seed cannot compete with bad seed for needed nutrients. It is unwise, futile and wasteful to sow good seed in such areas.

But praise God for the good ground, a receptive heart which readily receives the seed and provides a suitable environment for germination, growth and harvest.

You may have read today's post with the idea of witnessing to others, but I have challenge for you. Would you please consider your own heart? Already born again by the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, do you continue to provide receptive soil, a willing, ready and hearing heart for the preaching, teaching and study of God's seed for you on an ongoing basis?

Has your heart become as wayside, rock hard or thorn laden? Or does it continue to be good ground, receptive of the truth of God's Word?