A Practical Reflection for Troubled Times
Why The Parable of the Sower Matters Today
We are living through times of uncertainty and upheaval, especially here in America. The church, and many believers, feel shaken and concerned about the future. In these moments, it’s not unusual to cry out to God for wisdom and direction. Sometimes, the Lord answers by pointing us to everyday experiences and, most importantly, to His Word.
One morning, while caring for my lawn in the heat—watching the grass struggle against rocky soil—I was reminded of Jesus’ Parable of the Sower from Mark Chapter 4. This story, told thousands of years ago on the shores of Galilee, still speaks with surprising clarity to what we are facing today.
Understanding the Parable in Simple Terms
Here’s the story, in plain language: A farmer goes out to scatter seeds. Some land on a hard path, where birds quickly eat them. Some land on rocky ground with little dirt, so even though they sprout fast, they wither under the hot sun because they have no roots. Some fall among thorns and weeds that choke the young plants before they can grow strong. But some seed lands on good soil—where it grows, thrives, and produces a harvest far greater than what was planted.
Jesus explained that the “seed” is God’s Word—the Good News. The different types of soil represent our hearts and how we receive the message. Good soil means a heart that is open, ready not only to listen, but also to let the message take root and transform life.
The Seed and the Soil: What’s the Lesson?
The lesson is simple but profound. Just as a farmer hopes every seed will grow, God hopes His Word will flourish in every heart. But not every heart is ready. If we let bitterness, worry, or distractions fill our lives, we become like rocky or thorny soil: the message doesn’t grow deep, and we miss out on the harvest.
The Cost of Discipleship
So, what does this have to do with following Jesus—what some call “discipleship”? It costs something to be good soil. It takes effort, time, and constant care. Like a gardener pulling weeds and breaking up rocks, we must tend to our hearts by:
· Spending time reading and meditating on God’s Word regularly
· Actively choosing to forgive, love, and be generous, instead of holding onto bitterness or jealousy
· Guarding what we allow into our hearts and minds—being careful with the words we hear or speak
· Committing to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (see Micah 6:8)
These aren’t one-time decisions—they require an ongoing commitment. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” And Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Applying the Parable in Everyday Life
Your life is like a field. Every thought, every word, every action is a seed planted in that field. What grows tomorrow depends on what you sow today. In challenging times, especially when the world feels divided and uncertain, it’s even more important to make wise choices about what you allow to grow in your heart.
Jesus wanted His followers to understand that the condition of your heart determines whether you will live out His teachings and bear fruit for God’s kingdom. This is the real cost of discipleship: making the daily choice to nourish your heart, clear away distractions, and let God’s Word shape your life.
Why It’s Urgent Now
With so much turmoil and division, it’s easy to let anger, fear, or confusion take root. But disciples of Jesus are called to rise above, to be people of mercy, peace, and love. The future of the church—and even our nation—depends on believers being good soil, ready to receive and multiply God’s goodness.
Conclusion: Be the Good Soil
The Parable of the Sower isn’t just about ancient farmers or distant spiritual truths. It’s about you and me, today, in the middle of whatever chaos we’re facing. The cost of discipleship is real, but the reward is greater: a life full of purpose, peace, and a harvest that blesses generations to come.
May we all have the courage and commitment to be good soil, to guard our hearts, and to bear fruit—thirty, sixty, even a hundred times what was sown. Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 