“A farmer went out to plant some seed…” Matthew 13:3
Farm boy inside me enjoys planting flowers and vegetables
and seeing them grow. In this parable Jesus compares responsiveness with soil types. The farmer in this story liberally tosses seed everywhere. So what happens spiritually in real time when I scatter the
‘Jesus’ seed(the Gospel)?
My Somali friend Abdi wanted help with selecting
materials at the library to learn English. But I first wanted to find out how well he reads and also if he has a spiritual appetite. So I had him read a photocopy of the first chapter from ‘The Young Reader’s Bible’. His reading went well but he objected to Adam being made from the ‘dust’ of the earth. He said, “…it smells
like this” as he rubbed his arms together—“like sand”. Ok... “I don’t want religion friendship. I want without religion. I have Qur’an. That is all I
need.” Doesn't this sound like seed scattered on a hard pathway…where the
birds quickly snatched it up? My Somali friend’s heart is not
ready to receive the ‘Jesus’ seed.
Farhad asked to be baptized…ASAP! After studying the book of John together for about 3 months, he seemed to understand the Bible's core message of salvation. After consultation with our pastor about baptism, we felt that something didn't feel right. It wasn't long before Farhad lost interest in anything spiritual and contact with us. He seemed to want a new identity, not faith. We've seen others who gladly accepted Christ while fleeing oppression in a Muslim country. For some who settle in the West and get connected to their Muslim community, it becomes clear. They’d rather
have community than Christ. There you have it…seeds that fell on shallow
ground, quickly started growing but soon withered.
The third category of the soil of the heart could happen to
anyone. Other things start crowding out growth in the Christian’s life. Busyness of life and pursuit of material things trumps
regular Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with God’s people. Striving to remain in good standing with the Muslim community, silences the believer. The issue becomes "how can I survive in this new land without my community?" If there ever is
time for Bible study and prayer, the conversation has to go back to the
basics. Paul had this problem with the Corinthians, “I had to feed you
with milk, and not with solid food…”
The last category is wonderful...so life giving. I had coffee with Ibrahim recently. He has zeal for the Lord and trusts God with everything. His 'new life' is beginning to impact personal life and family. He longs to see others come to Jesus. His life is fruitful. He is a godly influence. Praise God for this soil type--the receptive kind where there is a harvest. Its a long journey. This comes at a high cost for the believer but its worth it all!
Here are my 4 tomato plants. I prepared the soil,
selected healthy plants and take good care of them. I'm waiting to bite into a
juicy tomato!! In the spiritual realm, I want to do my part in planting the 'Jesus' seed and nurturing it. Lord willing there will be a harvest.
Lord Jesus, Help me to be a disciple who grows in you so that I can teach others. Amen.
