He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:
“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds.
As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them.
Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow.
But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants.
Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!
Matthew 13: 3-8
A farmer went out to plant some seeds.
Lord, I do so much want to be good soil.
Bury your roots deep within to secure me on solid ground and produce good fruit for you.
So often, Lord when I read this parable of yours, I think of the soil.
But today my eyes are on the Farmer.
You persistently and lavishly scatter your message of love on all types of dirt.
You don’t just focus your effort on where you know growth will occur for certain and seeds will grow.
You take your kingdom to all no matter their condition or prognosis.
You cover us all with your love and heap goodness on everyone.
What a lesson for me.
To spread your good news to all – even when rejected by hard hearts, let down by those who don’t keep promises or ridiculed by others blinded by the world’s temptations.
My job isn’t to concentrate on my success or to judge, but to share your love with others.
Today I bow to the Farmer – who shares his ample love so generously with all- no matter who they are.
No, we are not to judge. Just like St. Paul said “I don’t even judge myself.” Good thought. We do the best we can with the seeds we receive. I can only pray that I am a fertile place for those to grow.
Blessings!
Ceil
Yes we do do the best we can with the seeds we get and God lavishly casts seeds on everyone. Quite a lesson for me since I usually ponder the soil in this parable, not the seeds and their location. God is always teaching us something new if we pay attention. Thanks Ceil!!
I love bow to the Farmer too!! Beautiful picture… Such encouragement found here. I will be back 🙂
Hope to see you here again soon, Lisa. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, yes, to bow to the Farmer! Beautiful!
Thanks, Lynn!!
“I bow to the Farmer.” – love that line, Jean! Your Lectio posts are always some of my very favorites.
Thanks for the encouragement. I have been thinking of changing how often I post and what I post and get enough positive feedback about these Sunday posts to keep this format. You know I am sure blogging is fun and creative but also work. I get discouraged at times but your kind words certainly help! Thanks Lisa.