Mark 4:8 “Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying…even a hundred times.” (NIV)*

seedlings (Photo credit: chiptape)

God’s Word is seed falling on heart’s soil. Let it take root, thrive, and multiply. And it will, if it falls on good soil.

The soil’s condition is critical. If rocky, plants will wither because they have no roots. Rocks don’t move themselves. They have to be lifted out of the soil. If big enough, they may have to be chained, pulled out and hauled away. Rocks can be stubborn and refuse to budge. Resisting change…like sin.

Thorns are bullies who don’t like to share. They dominate. Chasing after fleeting wealth, or wanting things more than His truths could be unruly thorns. Thorns take over and crowd out what’s really important…choking out the good plants.

Clearing rocks and pulling thorns maintains good soil. It’s an ongoing chore. Otherwise, the seed of God’s word will blow away, wither, or be choked out. Seeds won’t survive, much less thrive.

But, if the soil is good, look for a crop of seedlings to multiply…even to a hundred times.

Mark 4:17 “But since they have no root, they last only a short time…” (NIV)*

Mark 4:19 “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.” (NIV)*

*The One Year Bible, New International Version, copyright 1986, Tyndale House Publishing, Wheaton, Illinois.