The Seeds of Heaven

Here in Matthew 13, Jesus gives us four parables about the sowing of seeds, bread, and the kingdom of heaven. In the first, he discusses where the seed falls. He says basically that the type of soil on which the word of God falls determines in part how it grows.

So we must first check our soil. Are we open to receive God's word in our hearts? Are we overly focused on or distracted by the things of the world? Do we fail to ponder and really chew on the things God speaks to us, thus hearing, but forgetting? These make for bad soil. If we truly want to grow our relationship with God, it all begins with the soilof our hearts. What is the state of your heart?

Once planted and having taken root, Jesus gives us a second parable about weeds in the soil. I wonder what things am I surrounding myself with thatare not of God, that are doing absolutely nothing to bring me closer to him. These things are the "tares" in my life, the noxious weeds that need to be dealt with.

Once the soil has been made ready, and the weeds removed, we move on to the parable of the mustard seed. The kingdom of heaven, God's spirit in our lives, begins so small inside of us, but has the potential to be huge! It is up to us to nuture it, to care for it and over time, it will grow. Left to its own, without care, surely it will die inside of us.

And lastly, Jesus tells us how the kingdom of heaven is like leaven. In this, I am brought hope, because it reminds me that God in me, and in my life, works to affect everything in my life. Even when I fall short or fail, God's love, his power, his kingdom is still at work in me.

Father God, I come before you this morning and thank you that you magnify my small efforts to draw near to you and work all through my heart. I thank you that I am forgiven, even when I fail. Thank you for loving me. Where there is rocky soil in my heart, make it smooth. Reveal to me my weeds of worry and give me the strength and courage to turn these things over to you. Help me to chase away those things in life that are robbing me of the joy that you would bring. Work in me and through me and help me to draw closer to you today.

Created 5 months ago