Producing Fruit

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Jesus spoke in parables not to withhold the Gospel message to the masses, but he used these stories to pierce the spiritually harden hearts and allow those who did have the ears and the eyes to understand the truth. Though Jesus did speak commonly of repentance and love, these stories were like the illustrations pastors use today. In this verse, Jesus spurs us on to be the seeds that grow on good soil. He lists qualities of those who are of crop producing seeds: Noble, good heart, who hear the Word, Retain it, And Persevere the message by producing crop (spreads the gospel message).

It is clear when Jesus uses this parables, it does show the health of my spiritual life. I do strive to be one of the seeds that are not wasting on infertile ground. Since I know who Christ is, I do see myself as a seed that fell on good soil. But how many of these characteristics can I claim that I am practicing? If i do have the ears to hear God's word, why am I not producing crop that he demands? If I am not producing fruit, I am useless.   Help me God be more beneficial to your kingdom work.

Jesus forgive me for lacking in spiritual fruit. I hear your words and I see what you want me to do, but I still turn a blind eye towards your command. Holy Spirit spur me to think Christ like. Help me to seek every facets of what you have in store for my life. Let my time here on earth not be a waste.

In Jesus Name
Amen