SOILS OF THE SOWER

THE HEART THAT BRINGS FORTH A HARVEST

Matthew 13; Mark 4; Luke 8

Here is a summary of the descriptions of the heart that brings forth 30-60-100 times what was sown. I have put the descriptions in blue highlighting for ease of identification. The Gospel in which the terms are found are in parentheses. I have arranged them in what seems to be a reasonable order.

There are eight qualities of the good heart, where the seed of God's Truth is sown and comes up, grows, and multiplies.

The Good Heart is noble (L) and good (L).

It hears {listens attentively?}(Mt, Mk L), understands (Mt), and accepts (Mk) what is said.

It retains (L), and perseveres (L) until it produces (Mt, MK, L) the crop.

Seed that falls on The Path is trampled on (L) and the birds come and eat it up (L).

The Pathway Heart hears the word (L) but does not understand it (Mt).

Then the Evil One(Mt)/Satan(Mk)/the Devil(L) comes and takes it away (Mt, Mk), snatching (L) the seed from the heart (Mt, L), as soon as they hear it (Mk), so they do not believe and are not saved (L).

Seed that falls on Rocky Heart does not have much soil, and though it sprouts quickly, the sun scorches it and it withers because it has no root and no moisture (all this from L).

The Rocky Heart hears (L), and receives with joy (Mt, Mk, L) but it has no root (L), and only believes for a while (L).

In time of testing (L), tribulation (L), or persecution (Mt, Mk), it quickly (Mk) falls away (Mt, L).

The seed in the Thorns grows up, but is choked and bears no grain (all this from L).

The Thorn Soil hears the word (L) but on its way (L), life's worries (Mt, Mk,L), the decitfulness (Mt, Mk) of riches(L)/wealth(Mt, Mk, L), and the desire for other things (Mk), and pleasures (L), choke (Mt, Mk, L) the plants so they do not mature (L)and remain unfruitful(Mt, Mk).

Seeing the dangers that destroy the seed of the truths of God's word, we can choose to cultivate a good heart. We are called to be disciples. We can discipline ourselves to be obedient to the corrections and directions of the Holy Spirit and make a a greay difference as salt and light in our part of this generation of this nation.