We can gain valuable insight into soil fertility by examining the soil profile. The soil profile is somewhat like the soil’s fingerprint, and it differs from one another (soil), based on factors like its color, texture, structure and thickness, and chemical composition which determines the use of the soil. Soil is vitally important to the sustainability of an ecosystem because it serves as the natural medium for the growth of vegetation.
In Mark 4:3-8, we read Jesus speaking about ‘The Parable of the Sower’ to the crowd that gathered around Him. The four types of soil are actually the four types of heart profile seen amongst the believers.
First: Seeds that fell along the path
And as HE was sowing, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. A path is never smooth. It is a track or way laid down for walking, made by continual treading and thus lacks proper temperature or conditions for a seed to germinate. It is hard since it has been a busy surface. A heart which is always busy isn’t a productive heart all the time.
Second: Seeds that fell on the rock
Other seeds fell on stony ground. Those who hear the Word, at once receive, accept and welcome it with joy; but have no real root, and so they endure only for a little while; then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they are immediately offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away. Some hearts that let the Word take root have more inclination for a growth above the ground level instead of building stronger roots. A weaker root can’t give a tree greater strength. The taller you want a tree to become and prevail, the deeper its roots need to grow.
Third: Seeds that fell among thorns
Other seeds fell among the thistles – the cares and anxieties of the world, distraction of the age, the pleasures and delight, the false glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in. When a promise from God is sown among the anxiety and cares about tomorrow, the distractions are more likely to absorb all of the nutrients (our energy, faith, hope, joy) which is actually meant for the word of God. And eventually the seed is choked and suffocates and it develops to be fruitless in time.
Fourth: Seeds that fell into good soil
And other seeds fell into well-adapted soil and brought forth grains. Those hearts that have good soil tilth, sufficient depth, proper levels of nutrients, good drainage and resilient when unfavorable conditions occur. Such hearts that hear the Word and receive and accept and welcome it, bears fruit.
The Bible says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Until and unless we own a heart that is pure as the Bible emphasises, we lack the seat in an eternity with Him. Hearts that go all out, will see God; not those that go halfway, and not lukewarm Christians. A heart which is favorable for the word of God to take root and whose bud (life) sprouts from the roots (word of God) in accordance with the guidelines of the Spirit- will see God in every thing.
Let’s align our heart to the word of God!
Have a great day!
