Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
July 23, 2021
Read Matthew 13:1-8, 18-23
1 That day Jesus went out of the house and sat down beside the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he climbed into a boat and sat down. The whole crowd was standing on the shore. 3 He said many things to them in parables: “A farmer went out to scatter seed. 4 As he was scattering seed, some fell on the path, and birds came and ate it. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground where the soil was shallow. They sprouted immediately because the soil wasn’t deep. 6 But when the sun came up, it scorched the plants, and they dried up because they had no roots. 7 Other seed fell among thorny plants. The thorny plants grew and choked them. 8 Other seed fell on good soil and bore fruit, in one case a yield of one hundred to one, in another case a yield of sixty to one, and in another case a yield of thirty to one. 18 “Consider then the parable of the farmer. 19 Whenever people hear the word about the kingdom and don’t understand it, the evil one comes and carries off what was planted in their hearts. This is the seed that was sown on the path. 20 As for the seed that was spread on rocky ground, this refers to people who hear the word and immediately receive it joyfully. 21 Because they have no roots, they last for only a little while. When they experience distress or abuse because of the word, they immediately fall away. 22 As for the seed that was spread among thorny plants, this refers to those who hear the word, but the worries of this life and the false appeal of wealth choke the word, and it bears no fruit. 23 As for what was planted on good soil, this refers to those who hear and understand, and bear fruit and produce—in one case a yield of one hundred to one, in another case a yield of sixty to one, and in another case a yield of thirty to one.”
Good Morning! Go and bear fruit that will last!
Growing up, my dad planted a garden each and every year. His gardens were always luscious and plentiful. When I lived in my first place where I could have a garden I couldn’t wait to plant seeds and watch the wonders of nature as my garden grew. Sadly, my first garden, and the next couple after that, were epic failures. The plants that survived were spindly and bore little or no fruit. Through this experience, I learned how to prepare my soil, plant at the correct time, and take care of my plants as they grew by watering and fertilizing them. Eventually, I had plentiful gardens as my dad had during my childhood.
Sharing God’s love is very much like this story of planting seeds. When we cast our seeds, if we haven’t prepared the soil, a few seeds may root and sprout, but so many will not survive because the soil wasn’t ready to receive the seeds. You may be asking yourself, “how do we prepare the ‘soil’ in potential Christians, so that the seeds we plant may grow and flourish?” Each seed that we plant must be an intentional act through which we work to provide the nourishment needed each step of the way.
Just as a master gardener prepares and nurtures his tomato plants, we must prepare the soil of future Christians by sharing God’s love and mercy with them so that they see for themselves what a life with Christ as your foundation will be. We must then be there to water and nourish our “garden” of new believers so that they continue to put out new growth and produce fruit. We can provide them with spiritual nourishment by sharing the stories of Jesus, but we must also tend to their physical needs by sharing the living water and the manna from heaven that will sustain them through the challenges in their lives that lay ahead. “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name.” John 15:16
Each plant that is well cared for will produce much fruit, but even when the plant seems to be okay to be left alone, we must be there in times of drought and excessive heat to support our plants as they work to endure. Thus it is with our family members, our brothers and sisters in Christ. As a community of faith, we must be there to support each other as we encounter our own problems. Without this support, we may become stunted and no longer produce a bountiful harvest or if left on our own for too long, we might even wither and die. We must all strive to be master gardeners who diligently strive to bring each and every plant to fruition.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. Help us be patient and loving with the seeds that we plant in Your name. Never let us forget that each seed that you cast is worth nurturing. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: How will I be intentional in the way I spread the gospel?
Plant a seed today! Pastor Liz
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