More Seeds; Less Weeds
Theme: “Rooted and Growing”
Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9
I am blessed every day during the planting season, by being able to experience what it means to be “Rooted and Growing”. As I look from my kitchen window, enjoying my first cup of coffee, it’s almost time for the second cutting of hay; while the warm, humid evenings seem to make the corn grow noticeably. The work needed to sow those crops reminds me of the necessity for us to be obedient to God’s will, revealed through knowledge of the Bible, so that we may receive the bountiful harvest of His blessings.
The often interpreted “Parable of the Soils” depicts the farmer sowing his seeds which symbolize the message of the Gospel into various types of soil representing the condition of human hearts. The hard soil into which the seeds can’t penetrate and are devoured by birds, describes people whose hearts are hardened and resist the Lord. The stony soil tells us of
seeds unable to become rooted and scorched by the sun. Those who succumb to the trials and pressures of living in today’s world, look for someone to blame and have their faith wilt. The thorny soil is choked with weeds and rather than “fertilize” the seeds with commitment, people
pursue the pleasures of the world through the “wider gate” between fields of endeavor. The good soil, or those who listen to and learn God’s Word, devote themselves faithfully to the lessons of the Bible and apply it to their everyday lives. The result is an abundant harvest of the fruit of good works.
During my time of learning through SVMC, we were always encouraged to plow a little deeper, adding to the realization that we are unable to account for ourselves as Christians without the knowledge of Jesus. We learned to celebrate our discipleship every day by studying His will as
it is revealed in the Bible. As sinners, only the Lord can cleanse us when we claim the promise of His mercy. When I see a combine moving through a field, I can’t help but being reminded of the spiritual grain being separated from the chaff, realizing that it is not only crops, but also
souls that are being harvested.
Matthew 13:9 “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Harvey Wason was licensed into the ministry in June 2014, completed ACTS in Oct. 2016 and was ordained in May 2017. He is currently serving as Pastor of the James Creek Church of the Brethren in the Middle PA District. He and his wife Kathy own a farm where they raise hogs and beef cattle.
