The farmer sows the word.
Mark 4:14 NIV
In the parable of the soils, Jesus told of a farmer who sowed seed in his field. The seed was cast onto a variety of soils. Some landed on the pathway, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on shallow soil, where they sprouted quickly but soon died. Other seeds fell among the thorns and were choked out. And, finally, some fell on good ground and produced an abundant crop.
This parable describes the receptiveness of different people to the gospel message as they hear it. Some ignore it, while others accept it until trouble comes along or the world looks more appealing. But in some, it will send down deep roots, grow, and become fruitful.
Often we focus on the soils in this parable. But the farmer has much to tell us as well. In this parable, the farmer casts the seed, the word of God (Luke 8:11), throughout the field, regardless of the type of soil it falls on. Who is represented by this farmer? Jesus does not explicitly identify him. But he is the one casting the seed out into the field – sharing the good news with the world. And that would make each of us who share the good news the farmer.
The farmer knew that some of the seed he cast would fall on the path, on rocky soil, or among the thorns. But he cast it out anyway. It was only after the seed had been cast that the productivity of the soil became obvious. In the same way, I cannot tell who will respond well to the gospel. But that should not stop me from sharing it when I have the opportunity. How the soil responds is not my responsibility. Casting the seed is.
This richly blessed me especially the second paragraph.
The farmer knew that some of the seed he cast would fall on the path, on rocky soil, or among the thorns. But he cast it out anyway. It was only after the seed had been cast that the productivity of the soil became obvious. In the same way, I cannot tell who will respond well to the gospel. But that should not stop me from sharing it when I have the opportunity. How the soil responds is not my responsibility. Casting the seed is.
I am glad. Thanks for sharing.