Growth

This teaching of Jesus in the Lukan narrative is commonly known as the parable of the sower. Actually, the focus is not really on the sower or the quality of the seed that he uses but the condition of the ground that the seed falls on. The continuity is that the same seed is used, the variance lies in the reception of the seed.

The first context for the seed is where it fell on the well-trodden part of the field. The ground was not soft so the seed remained on the surface where it easily became mere bird feed.

The next context was where the soil was just a superficial layer and just underneath the surface there was hard resistance to the seed. The seed germinated but it had no room for growth so the plants quickly withered.

The third context described was where the seed had to compete with thorns and weeds and inevitably the potential harvest was choked.

The fourth context was that of fertile ground where growth and harvest was fully successful.

It is easy to focus on the contexts where it is frustrating, yet in all of our lives there are places and situations where we can be significantly fruitful.  

Something to do

Let us be willing to review our lives and focus on those aspects where we are productive. Let us purposefully sow into our strengths, so that we can be even more fruitful instead of regretting where there have been previous disappointment and weakness. 

Something to pray

God you have sown some great seed and potential into all of our lives. Thank you for gracing our lives with special qualities and gifts. Help us to focus on what you have invested in us to enable us to fulfil your purpose for our lives. Assist us to channel our energies and resources into what grows and multiplies.  

Today’s contributor is Dr Leigh Goodwin, assistant director of mission for Assemblies of God, lecturer at Mattersey Hall and IBTI at the time of writing.