A Sower went out to Sow
“A sower went out to sow,” Jesus told them.
This parable begins with what every hearer could easily understand.
The sower went out to sow.
The sower- I picture him as an old farmer in denim overalls and an old flannel shirt with a weathered face and hands- went out to sow his seeds in his garden.
Some of those precious seeds fell in the path leading to the garden. Some on the rocky soil near the creek. Some fell amongst the thorns of the wild roses, and finally, some in good, fertile soil.
The sower presented the seed to all soil, no matter its type, texture or value, knowing not all would grow and bear fruit.
The parable of the sower perfectly explains the nature of Christian preaching and evangelism. It points us to the different responses to the Gospel of Christ and to God's word.
Not all will be willing to accept the gift of salvation.
My grandfather would say this about his garden,
“If those seeds don’t come up, we’ll plant more.”
If the message is not received or does not result in lasting crops, we will just try again.
We must be willing to sow seeds even when we know some won’t grow.
Some of the crowd will hear the Word and it will have absolutely no effect on them. Some will hear and respond superficially when really nothing happens on the inside. Some want to receive the gospel and all its benefits, but ultimately they are unwilling to give up other things.
Thankfully, some truly hear the Gospel, receive the grace and mercy of God, and are truly transformed. The Bible describes this as the great Harvest of grain.
The Word of God comes in with saving power and transforms lives. The dead are made alive, the blind see, sinners are redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb. Sins are forgiven. The Father's love is freely given.
You notice in every case the seed is the same. The difference is in the soil.
The gospel invitation is always the same. However, how the human heart accepts it is always different. It is up to the Holy Spirit to convict, it is only our duty to sow the seed.
What seed can you sow today?
