Hello ,

Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.  But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”  Matthew 13:3-9

The Good Ground

It's important to remember from the outset that none of us are "good" in and of ourselves. This "good ground" that Jesus is speaking about is in regards to the willingness of the hearer to receive it. 

Soil truly does matter in the realm of gardening!  When I was growing up in the State of New York, the property that my family lived on was exceedingly rocky. Plowing, planting, and realizing good results always seemed like a full time job during the summer. 

Fast forward to the present time. My family has a small farmstead that is nestled in the Red River Valley of North Dakota. The soil here looks like black coffee grounds, is easy to till, and yields absolutely amazing results!

The soil makes all the difference!

The same is true for the "soil" of the heart where the seed of the gospel is planted. God has already told us in Ezekiel 36:26 that He will do the necessary work to help us prepare for a life of fruitfulness. Our reliance on the Master Gardener is imperative to an amazing, eternal crop.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word