The Good Soil
Mark 4:8, 20
Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew, and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times… Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”
What kind of fruit are you bearing?
Unlike the three previous soils in this parable, the “good soil” is rich, fertile, and ready to receive the seed and provide the nourishment necessary to sustain it. The seed sprouts to life and produces a harvest.
The good soil represents a receptive heart that desires to grasp God's promises and carry out his word. We don't have to be intellectually advanced or educated to fulfill God's purpose; the condition of our hearts ensures God's will is carried out. The person whose heart is like good soil has decided not to be foolish. Instead, they sincerely accept the truth of God’s word and value its transforming power. Their harvest is one that distinguishes those of “good soil” from others, as explained by Jesus in Matthew 7:16 (ESV), “You will recognize them by their fruits.”
Jesus teaches that not all good soil produces equal output. Some produce as determined by their abiding in the true vine-Jesus and their willingness to obey. Only some believers will bear as much fruit as they should. Everyone is different, and their desire to have a relationship with Jesus determines their level of fruit-bearing. We may spend time in prayer, read our bible, and even attend the same church, yet yield different fruit. Some believers become missionaries, volunteer in their church, teach, and others will raise a Christ-centered family. Everyone’s fruit will look different, but we are building God’s kingdom together.
After assessing your faith, if you are not the type of soil God wants you to be, use this as an opportunity to grow. Seek ways to dig deep roots and flourish in your relationship with the Lord. It takes time to mature in your faith, but you will attain spiritual fruit if you remain connected to the true vine. You are not responsible for producing the fruit, but you are accountable for keeping the soil good and free from weeds that can choke the tender fruit.
Does your heart reflect the good soil? If not, what measures will you take today to achieve it?
Father God, thank you for the person whose heart is like good soil. I ask that their ears remain open to receive and endeavor to obey your word. I ask that you help them persevere in their faith and remove any impurities in their hearts that might hinder their growth. Please enable them to be fruitful and produce a harvest for your kingdom. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture References:
Jeremiah 29:13; Colossians 1:6; Genesis 26:12; Romans 7:4; John 15:5; Galatians 5:22-23
