It’s that time of year again here on the farm! In just a few short weeks we will begin “turning the earth” in preparation for planting season. The methods for getting the soil ready for receiving seeds that will become our harvest one day have changed over the years, however one thing has never changed. The quality of the soil plays an important part in the quality of the plants that are grown in it. We have the soil tested in our fields, so we know exactly what it needs to be “good soil”. We check for mineral and fertilizer deficiencies and add whatever is necessary so that it is ready to receive the seed at planting time.
In the Gospel of Matthew 13:1-23, we read an account of Jesus teaching a story called a parable. A parable was often used to give a picture of something that the reader was familiar with to teach them an important truth. In this account Jesus was talking about the importance of good soil to the one who was “sowing” or planting seeds. He wanted His listeners to know as well, how important it was that their hearts were prepared or ready to receive the message of His Gospel. He talked about all the different soil types, but the only one that was prepared well was found in verse 23: “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
The question remains the same today, “How’s your soil”? Maybe better yet, “How’s your heart”? Is it ready to receive the truth of the Gospel and the teachings of God’s Word? Romans 10:9-10 tells us: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Planting time is upon us, so do not delay, open your heart and trust Christ today!
