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The Parable
of the Sower
by Rev.
Myrl Eddings
The
parable of the sower spoken of by Jesus portrays the response of separate individuals to
the gospel. Those said to have received the
word in little soil had their seed devoured by the fowls of the air. Being reared on a farm, I can appreciate the value
of this warning. I’ve seen black
birds eat up seeds that were planted in the field that weren’t soon covered by dirt.
Likewise, the devil is on the prowl, waiting for the opportunity to steal the freshly-sown
word immediately, before it can take root in good understanding and bring forth good
fruit. We should take heed to guard the
precious seed of God.
The
seed that was sown in stony ground often appears to grow more quickly than seed in good
ground. However, the heat of temptations that
confront those without good roots of understanding overcome them. They are confused by unanticipated resistance,
unaware that opposition is sure to test their new-found faith. New converts need to dig in the Word of God for
much needed root to endure hardships.
Seeds
sown among thorns represent believers who have been overwhelmed by material and
carnal concerns, neglecting the spiritual needs of the inner man. Some even revert to worldly ways when the Lord
blesses them. They need wisdom to be good
stewards of what He entrusts to us. Nature
teaches us that to continue to receive a harvest, one is required to continue planting,
with the knowledge that the crop to be harvested is directly proportionate to the amount
of land that is sown.
Seeds
sown in good ground patiently produce good fruit.
It is absolutely essential for the child of God to keep the good things of
the Lord in perspective. A great yield doesn’t
appear overnight. We must subdue negative
impulses in order for our fruit to be seen. Few
days will pass with no problems at all. Therefore,
it is absolutely imperative that we arise in faith, having sown good seed and watered it
adequately. Christians should never fear,
because Jehovah is our source for every need and will cause us to be fruitful always. Anxiety will grow in the place of our faith and
will exceed our spiritual growth if we all it to take root, and neglect to weed our
gardens. Reaping and sowing is an immutable
law, set in place by God Himself. No
opposition to a saint, ill will by an enemy, or collusion of any multitude against us can
annul this powerful decree that our Lord has enacted.
The
Bible encourages us not to be weary in well doing, for we’ll reap if we don’t
faint. Others who are found to be negative
influences may attempt to drag joyous believers down with them. We should strive to lift them up, but abandon
their company if they refuse to accept encouragement.
Those with such pessimistic views of life will not further our walk with the
Lord. We can throw a life preserver to a
drowning victim without drowning ourselves. We
get what we plant in much more abundance than we sowed.
After all, we can sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.
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