Parable of the Soils Part III

Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God (KJV)

Monday, we discussed the significance of the parable of the sower/soils. Yesterday, we looked at the ministry of the sower. Hopefully some of you were encouraged by the fact that as long as you are faithfully sowing the seed, you are successful. Today, we're going to look at the power of the seed. Jesus said that the seed...is the Word of God. I mentioned this yesterday, but it bears repeating- if there is any "breakdown" in the process...it is not due to failure on the part of the sower, neither is there any deficiency in the seed (in this case the Word)- the problem lies with the various types of unproductive soil.

If we are going to be successful (I'm hesitant to use the word success, because it is a relative term and means so many different things to different people)...or should I say faithful and fruitful in our evangelism, then we must sow the incorruptible seed of the Word of God. You will find that as you begin to minister and talk to others about the Lord, there will be a tendency to steer the conversation into debates and endless questions. We must keep the discussion centered on the Word of God. I realize that "lifestyle evangelism" has become a very popular method in the postmodern world. Let me say that there is some validity to this method because Jesus said that we should let our light so shine before men that they may glorify our Heavenly Father. However, there is another truth that cannot be denied- and that is that people are born-again by the Word.

I Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

In the tenth chapter of Romans we read that "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." I believe that it is not enough for us simply to live out our faith quietly before our neighbors. I think the scriptures are clear that we must open our mouths and speak forth the Word of God. Paul told the Corinthians that God has chosen the "foolishness of preaching" (not foolish preaching...we have far too much of that) to save them that believe. In another place we read "how shall they hear without a preacher?" Certainly not everyone is called to be a preacher in the sense of pastoral ministry...but we are all ministers in some sense because the Holy Spirit empowers each and every one of us to be witnesses for Jesus Christ.

Again, I think it's interesting that the Word is likened to a seed. If you anything at all about agriculture, you know that usually anything that comes in seed form takes a period of time for fruit-bearing. You don't plant a seed in the ground today and expect a harvest tomorrow (unless it's one of those dreadful "Chia Pets" you see on TV). Instead, we expect that there will be a period of cultivation, watering, and yes....waiting! But- if we are sure that we have sown the proper seed, we can be assured that in due season there will be a harvest. I love this passage in the book of Isaiah:

Isaiah 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it

God's Word is true and He says that His word will not return unto Him void. That tells me a few things. First, it tells me that I can't go wrong by sowing the Word of God. Although I may not see an immediate harvest, I can rest assured that things are happening in the realm of faith. I also see that not only will the seed produce a harvest, but it will also prosper in the area that it's sown. I'm reminded of Jacob and his evil father-in-law Laban. Laban had dealt deceitfully with Jacob (who was a trickster in his own right) but yet he realized that God had blessed him because of the presence of Jacob (Genesis 30:27). When you make a point to sow the Word of God into your area (wherever you are), you will see the power of God at work. Pulpits that preach the Word of God will be powerful. Christians that use the Word of God in their witnessing and evangelism will see results...maybe not always immediately...but they will come in due season.

To be continued.... (feel free to add your comments)

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