Did you know that Jesus once told a story about dirt?
That might sound a bit odd, but for those He was speaking to, dirt was a very important part of their lives. And if you think about it, it's a pretty important part of our lives too.
You might think of dirt as something that gets your clothes dirty when you play outside, and that is certainly true. But for those who work in the dirt for a living such as farmers, gardeners, and other agricultural workers, the dirt, or soil, is literally their life. The crops, flowers, bushes, and trees they grow all need good dirt to make the harvest as bountiful as possible. And thanks to them, their hard work, and the good soil they cultivate each year, you and I can eat nutritious food, enjoy pretty landscaping, and sit in the shade on a hot day.
Without good soil we literally could not survive, something the people who lived at the time of Jesus were well aware of. So He told a story about the condition of their hearts they could relate to. Think about something that is very important you, like a sport you play, a hobby you enjoy, a school subject you're good at, or a way you make money. If Jesus told a story that related to soccer or photography or science or how to be the best babysitter ever (or whatever you enjoy), you would probably pay more attention and understand the lesson better, right?
So Jesus told a story about dirt. And even though you and I might not know much about how plants grow, we probably know enough to understand what Jesus wanted them to understand.
He talked about three types of soil that were not good for planting and growing crops: The hard-packed dirt, the rocky soil, and the areas full of weeds. He said that as a farmer went out and scattered the seed for a new planting season, the seeds that fell on the soil that hadn't been properly prepared would not do well.
He told the story to a crowd of people but later His disciples asked Him to explain it, and He did:
"The farmer sows the word." (Mark 4:14) --This tells us the seeds represent the truth that God spoke to His people.
"Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.
"Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
"Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." (Mark 4:15-19)
Looking at these three types of soil, which do you feel describes the condition of your heart at least some of the time? When you go to church or read your Bible, does it affect you at all? Do you remember what you heard or read? Does it excite you at first but then fades later? Does it point out things in your life you may need to change or pursue, but your worries, priorities, or other interests keep you from doing so?
If any of these are true for you, think seriously about why that is. What is getting in the way of your relationship with God and your understanding of Him? What needs to change? How can you be more ready to hear from God and follow His voice?
"The seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest...” (Mark 4:20; NLT)
God wants to speak to you. He wants you to know Him. He wants you to understand how much you are loved. He wants to lead you, guide you, help you, and teach you everything you need to know to follow Him and live the life He has for you.
How awesome is that? Sometimes we get it into our heads that God is distant and wants to remain that way. But nothing could be further from the truth. That's why Jesus came! He came to speak the truth and demonstrate God's love and power. And God does the same today.
He sends His spirit to teach us, help us, and empower us to be so much more than we can be on our own. But we must listen and prepare our hearts to receive the truth. One of the ways I enjoy doing that most is to read other stories (parables) that Jesus told. They can be found throughout the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), but I've listed a few of my favorites below and I encourage you to read them over the next week or two. What do you hear God saying to you?
Luke 15:11-32
Luke 10:30-37
Luke 15:3-7
John 10:1-10
Matthew 13:31-32
