[Jesus told the people] many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.”
Matthew 13:3-9
Planting Seed
Daily Devotion – July 22, 2023
Devotion based on Matthew 13:3-9
See series: Devotions
Songwriters have used it. Thinkers have used it. Investors have used it. Even Jesus Christ used it. Used what? They used the picture of planting seed to make a point. Jesus told a story about planting seed to teach us that when we hear and learn the Word of God, spiritual seed is planted in our hearts.
But, sadly, sometimes that seed doesn’t grow. People can get distracted from their relationship with God. And, without regular exposure to God’s Word and worship, their faith fails. In a way, they are like a child who excitedly plants a seed in a foam cup and waters it regularly. But a couple of days later, the child forgets about it, and the seed dries up.
But praise be to God, the seed he sows in some people’s hearts produces a bumper crop of spiritual fruits. As they are reminded of the forgiveness Jesus won for them on the cross and the eternal life he achieved for them when he rose from the tomb on Easter morning, they live their lives in service to him and the people he brings into their lives. God grant that this is true for you!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, plant the seed of your Word in my heart and make it grow into a fruitful plant of faith to give you glory. Amen.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
