Over the past three weeks we've been "digging in" on the parable of the Sower and the Seed found in Matthew 13. We all understand that seeds left to themselves will not produce a harvest, and for a harvest to take place, and be bountiful the composition of the ground in which the seed is planted has a tremendous impact on the outcome of the planted seed.
As a brief recap of our last three weeks, we've talked about the seeds that fell on hard ground and was eaten up by the passing birds (Matt. 13:4). During the second week we discussed the rocky ground where the seeds were unable to take root and quickly withered with no nutrition from the soil (Matt. 13:5-6). Last week we looked at the ground where the seeds were choked out by the thorns that coexisted there (Matt. 13:7). Each type of ground is symbolic of different walks of life that we as Christians or non-Christians walk. Hardened hearts, withering faith, or a mindset that is being influenced by the ways of this world line up with the aforementioned types of ground. But Jesus wasn't finished with that parable after three types of ground. We find our hope in the fourth type of ground, the good ground.
For seeds to produce generously it is essential that the seed receives nutrients that are conducive to growth. The "good" ground in the parable receives the nutrients and enriches itself. The key here is after receiving the gifts that make it good soil, the soil gives them away. The process of sowing and reaping centers around the concept of harvesting bountifully from the investment made through the labor of sowing the seeds and reaping the fields, then sharing the harvest to replenish the process over and over. Good ground is arable and holds tight to the rich nutrients it possesses. Good ground doesn't grow hard, but instead welcomes the seed to live within its confines. Under these positive conditions the seed has no other option but to produce bountifully.
So, now the goal is to place the context of this unchanging parable to the purpose Jesus shared with His disciples. You are the seed, and while the seed in the parable was strewn into various locations with no control of its destination, you have the option of choosing the ground in which you are planted. When we choose to plant ourselves in the "good ground" we aren't necessarily referring to a literal location, but more of a state of being in "good ground". Developing a positive mental attitude is a choice. When we wake up each day we have options and choices to make. We can choose to be grateful and thankful for the day we have been given, or we can choose to focus on the struggles and challenges that exist and allow ourselves to wallow in our own self-pity. We may also make the choice to be indifferent or disconnected to the opportunities that God has placed in front of us, making us hard and bitter unwilling to accept the seed that God wants to sow into our lives.
Good ground can be represented by the nutrients we choose to place in our daily lives. The literature we read or don't read, the sources of entertainment we spend vast amounts of time scrolling can help create our mindset, and the relationships we set our roots in can fortify us. All of these "nutrients" can help us be soil that produces a bountiful harvest.
In closing, I believe the key takeaway from this four-week study is that literal seeds do not have a choice where they are planted. The ground itself doesn't have a say in determining its composition. But, you and I have a choice. You choose what you believe and what you believe in. You choose whether to stay the course or to drop out. You may find yourself flung among the thorns of this life, yet you will ultimately make the choice whether the thorns will defeat you or whether you will use their adversity to propel you to God's divine purpose for your life.
The good ground is yours to choose, my prayer is that you choose the fortifying ground of God. Plant yourself in His goodness and mercy and you will produce a harvest that benefits the world in which you are planted.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” Galatians 6:7-9.
Coach Carter
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