Which Seed Are You?

Hear and welcome. That’s what the people of the good ground do, those seeds that fell, grew, bloom,ed and spread.

So, how do we hear and welcome God’s call on our lives? And God’s word in our lives?

Part of the answer is found in Jesus’ patient explanation of this parable to his disciples, about what happened to the other seeds that were sown.

This is a cautionary tale.

The seeds that fall along the road are snatched away by Satan. There is something about being on the side of the road that is clearly not conducive to growth. The side of the road is nowhere for a seed that wants to grow to be.

We can probably all think of times and places where we were vulnerable to temptation, to making horrible mistakes because it felt good at the time, and vulnerable to evil. Are we on the side of the road? How can we avoid those places where Satan can snatch us away?

The seeds in the rocky ground gladly hear, and accept right away, but don’t put down roots. Trouble comes. They go. We have probably all gone through rootless times in our lives when we did not focus on God, did not study his word, or spend time with other believers. When bad times came, our weakness became apparent. How can we make sure we put down roots?

The seed among the thorns is choked by worry, ambition, and focused on self. It is the seed of distraction. A distracted seed does not grow. How do we focus on God’s word and fellowship with other Christians, confessing our worries to him and others when appropriate?

In this passage, the cautions are many.

But, the remedy seems simple.

Hear and welcome.

And then watch what happens.

Respond in Prayer

We thank you God that you show us so clearly what we need to do. Help us hear. Help us welcome. Thank you that even those actions, hearing and welcoming, are gifts of your Holy Spirit. Please give them to us again now. In Jesus name, Amen.

Karen Stiller