Good dirt

“And those like seed sown on good ground hear the word, welcome it and produce fruit. . .” – Mark 4:20 CSB

“Good dirt.” That phrase likely means something different to us than the way we are to understand it from Jesus’ parable of the soils. In this parable (which Jesus thankfully explains) the “good dirt” is to be our hearts. A parable (as Adrian Rogers termed, “an earthly story with a Heavenly meaning”) communicates a specific Kingdom teaching.

There is much to be said about this parable, but one thing it communicates is the importance of truly hearing the Word of God. As someone with deaf family members, I have often thought of how significant it is that they also can hear the Word of God. This prompted me to realize the main instrument of hearing – specifically in regard to the message of the Gospel – is not the ears but the heart. Even as Jesus prays and exhorts, “Let he who has ears to hear, hear” it is also clear from the parable that hearing the message will only have taken place if roots bring forth fruit in the heart of the hearer.

I have followed the Robert Murray M’Cheyne plan for Bible reading for approximately seven years. Each of my reflections for our devotions will be derived from a verse in the daily reading. I find it appropriate to begin these devotions specifically focusing on the “Word.” May we be those who truly “welcome” the word, and may it produce fruit in our lives.

For that to happen, our hearts must be “good dirt.” May we (as James says) “humbly receive the implanted word which is able to save [our] souls.” (James 1:21)

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for your Word. May my heart truly be the good soil on which the seed of your Word falls, and may my heart produce a harvest of righteousness this day in my life and in the lives of others.”