Read Matt 13:1–23
Mat 13:18-23 “Hear then the parable of the sower: (19) When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. (20) As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, (21) yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. (22) As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. (23) As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Of the three who have negative aspects the first is probably the least culpable. Never the less, he’s not going to be in good shape on the last day. What a horrible thing to have had the possibility for eternal life yet to have it snatched away by Satan because it isn’t understood. It isn’t understood because the heart of such a person is still worldly. It judges things based on karma. It knows nothing of grace. Everything comes with a price. While the Word has been placed on that persons heart, it goes against everything they believe. You probably know a lot of people like this. You need to pray God will open their hearts to understanding the good news.

The rocky ground represents Christians who are persecuted. It could be in the terrors of physical persecution. Christians today are raped, sold into slavery, even beheaded because of their faith. Then there are those who suffer ridicule for their faith. Many remain faithful to the Lord and remain trusting in his mercy and kindness. Some though will leave and abandon the faith. Their value temporary life more than the gift of eternal life.

Then there are those Christians, many of whom I run into. They believe the good news with joy, but life happens. There are soccer games and football games to bring the kids to. There’s the reason that Sunday is your only day off and you deserve to sleep in. You can find all sorts of things to do on Sunday morning rather than gather with the people of God and receive Christ’s gifts. Eventually their faith grows cold and dies.

Finally there are those Christians who hear the Word of Promise, believe and live in it. They understand the great gift they have been given. They understand everything in this life is temporary and fading. The gift of God is eternal and enduring. It is worth more than anything else. Such a one bears good fruit for God and Christ. You will find such a ones gathered around God’s Word and Christ’ sacrament bearing much fruit. But it isn’t as if Satan hasn’t tried steal the Word from them. They don’t let him but humble themselves before the Word. It’s not as if they aren’t persecuted but they love the Lord more than their lives. It’s not as if they don’t live in the real world, they just value eternity with Jesus to be of more value.

What kind of soil are you?

Lord Jesus Christ, grant us your Holy Spirit, that we may bear all things and remain faithful to your promise and bear much fruit in faith. Amen.