Storyteller: The Parables of Jesusනියැදිය

The Dangerous Soil (Part 3: The Parable of the Sower)

Yesterday we looked at the first two types of dangerous soil. Today we will continue to investigate the remaining soils.

3. Choked Heart

As the patient farmer continues sowing his seed, some of it falls onto soil that resembles good soil, making it the most deceptive of all. Initially, the seed begins to grow, but it becomes overtaken by thorns. The thorns represent the worries of life and the desire for the things of the world over the things of the Kingdom. The soil is unable to sustain both living things at once; neither can truly thrive. They may not die immediately, but they will never produce lasting fruit. This is dangerous soil.

Jesus warns, “Whatever you do, do not listen to my Word with a divided heart!” Later, when Jesus explains the parable, He compares this soil to the one who is consumed by worldly anxieties and lusts after riches. A heart cannot be occupied by two incompatible forces at the same time.

Our hearts often want to believe the lie that we do not have to deny ourselves anything, that we can have it all. We want the blessings of God, but we do not want the One Who gives the blessings.

4. Good Heart

At last, the faithful farmer sows his seed, and it lands on good soil, where it can flourish and thrive. The soil is soft, rich, and uncluttered, making it an ideal place for things to grow strong and mature, producing an abundant harvest. This is dangerous soil.

Jesus says, “Listen to my Word with a good heart!” A good heart does more than hear; it responds in faith and acts on what it hears. Faith is the fruit of a heart open to God’s Word. That fruit is the evidence that we have been saved from sin and death. It declares that our lives no longer belong to us; they are now lived in His Kingdom for the glory of the King. We are made new in Christ, and He becomes evident in every area of our lives.

That is what makes this soil truly dangerous. When the way of Jesus takes root here, it produces fruit that grows into a countercultural force, bearing the expression of the subversive life that multiplies and imprints the Kingdom of God.

When God’s Kingdom invaded earth, it was not what people expected or wanted, but it was exactly what they needed. Jesus knew that His message would be widely disregarded by the masses, but for a faithful few, it would capture their hearts in a profound way that would change the world!

The Lord has always sought and strengthened those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. The question is: Are we willing to give Him our whole hearts, not just fragmented pieces?

We may not fully grasp the mystery of how something grows, especially His Kingdom, but just as it began small and seemingly vulnerable and has grown into a mighty and unstoppable movement, so can He move in our hearts.

His Kingdom is so comprehensive and all-encompassing that it has the power to bind wounds, cure anxiety, restore relationships, forgive sins, rescue us from death, guard against pride and selfishness, dispense joy, grant peace, and heal the brokenness of the world.

Prayer

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-11, ESV)

Jesus, thank You that Your Word brings life. Amen.