Reading 4

Matthew 13-16

Jesus’ story of the farmer scattering seed is a parable that always stands out to me. I can never just read through it. I always seem to ponder over which type of soil I am; and after deciding, I continue my way through chapter 13. This time, however, verse nine, the last verse of the parable, caught my attention: “Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand!” After reading Jesus’ explanation of the parable later on in the chapter and going back to verse nine, it seemed to be more than just something to ponder over. It seemed to be a call to make a choice. Instead of asking ‘what kind of soil am I?’ I should be asking, ‘what kind of soil do I want to be?’ I think this choice is important. It means not being satisfied with a comfortable life, but actively seeking and pursuing faith—the kind of faith exhibited in Matthew 14:36, where the sick begged Jesus to let them touch even the fringe of his robe, knowing that if they could they would be healed. They desperately wanted grace and mercy and the message Jesus was bringing. They remind me of a few verses I read in Hosea 2 over the summer, where the Lord is speaking with Hosea about his love for Israel, even though they are unfaithful to him. He says in verse 23, “I will plant a crop of Israelites and raise them for myself. I will show love to those I called ‘Not loved.’ And to those I called ‘Not my people,’ I will say, ‘Now you are my people.’ And they will reply, ‘You are our God!’” This definitely makes me want to be a part of this crop and have a heart of good soil. But I’ll have to throw off complacency and instead of just deciding what type of soil I am, working towards becoming the type of soil I want to be.

Stacey

Reading #4 (audio)