“Break The Surface”

Matthew 13:4,19

OK... so, let’s get into this parable and “chew it up” a little. The first location that the Savior describes is the path. This is exactly what it sounds like, a walking or travel path beside the field in which the fictional farmer is planting. This is not the fertile soil of the farmland, or at least it’s not anymore. This path has been stepped on, beaten down, travelled over and packed down. It is hard ground. Not unlike the hardened hearts that many have towards the Gospel after being beaten down by the hardness of life. Then, in verse 19, Jesus illustrates what happened to the seed that was sown onto the hard path. This person has indeed heard the message of Jesus, but did not understand it and before the seed has a chance to take root and “break the surface” if you will of the ground, the devil comes along and takes it away. This person, or group of people even, have an initial resistance to the Gospel because of a hardness in their hearts. There are people who at first reaction distrust the Church or Christians in general because of past experiences. The Enemy is all to happy to use that bad experience or sinful resistance to harden their heart so that the message can not take root. Friends, we need to be aware that this is how the enemy operates and be ready to first  “break ground” with compassion and authenticity, then when the time is right, plant the seed. If not, this example will continue to happen. 

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, please help me to have compassion at the front of my heart when I am in the community. Help me to see and hear what You lead to me to, Lord. Use me to reach someone new. Amen. 

Reflection:

Do you know someone who has a “hard heart”? 

Pray for them this week. Grab a coffee and just talk. Break ground.