Neville Turley

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

We are all sowers of one kind or another. Every day, by our words and our deeds, we sow seeds of kindness or seeds of unkindness. Seeds that bring smiles and happiness or seeds that cause tears and despair. Our words and our actions influence others either for the good or to their detriment.

The very first parable Jesus told, according to Matthew, is the parable of a farmer who went out to sow.  Some of the seed he scattered fell along the path, some on rocky places, some among the thorns and some on good soil. Only the seed that fell on good soil flourished.  (Matthew 13:3-8)

The disciples asked Jesus why he was talking to the crowd in parables. Jesus explained that the secrets of the Kingdom of God had been revealed to the disciples, but for those who were not so favoured, he spoke in parables.

Then Jesus unfolded the meaning of the parable of the sower.  (Matthew 13: 18-23) He compared the seeds planted by the farmer to the word of God.  (Luke 8:11)

As a co-worker with Christ every Christian is a sower. Through our words and actions we must sow the word of God. At times we will be grievously disappointed for not all the seeds we sow will fall on favourable ears. We can expect to be rebuffed and rejected but we must persevere.

We may never see the result of our planting during our time on earth, but one day we will. 

“I have planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow” wrote Paul. (1 Corinthians 3:6)  Paul and Apollos have completed their mission.  Now it is our turn to take hands and plant God’s field.

Let’s go forth in faith. There is work to be done.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we through the Holy Spirit be motivated to spread your word in Jesus name.  Amen