From Ben – 13 March 2022

Today, as we continue to journey through Matthew’s gospel, we will be considering the parable known as “the Sower and the Seed”. It is only one of 3 parables that appear in 3 of the gospels and it is always the first. As I have spent most of this week reflecting on the deeper meaning of this well-known parable, a lot of new insights have emerged.

One of the truths that both challenged and comforted me is that the sower only sows the seed. He is not responsible for the way the soil responds. This helps us to realise that while it is our responsibility to broadcast the seed, (ie. to spread the word of God widely and tell about His saving love and enduring grace) we are not responsible for how and when people respond. 

Let me put it this way – If the farmer’s little 5 year old son put on his dungarees, just like his dad, and had his pouch filled with seed, and he followed his dad just like little boys love to do, also broadcasting seed in all directions, that seed has the potential of being just as effective as his dad’s seed.

The truth is the soil needs to respond. Let us not be hard on ourselves or despondent if we don’t see the crop we long to see. Our job is to sow the seed, which is the message of grace. The response is up to God. Thank the Lord that although His word may stay dormant in the soil for a while, it may later spring to life.

He has promised us in Isaiah 55:11 Your word will not return empty but will accomplish its purpose, and Heb 4:1 Your word is living and active, shaper than a double-edges sword.

Let us faithfully do His work and leave the rest to Him.