Seed Along the Path
Matthew 13:3-4 & 19 (NIV)
Then he told them many things in parables, saying: 'A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up … When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.’
I wonder if this interaction brings back memories for you -
(children chatting at the back of the classroom)
(teacher explaining some mind-numbing topic that surely even they don’t find interesting)
Teacher: ‘Are you two over there at the back listening?'
Student: (the colour draining from their cheeks) ‘Yes, of course, sir, I heard what you said.’
Teacher: ‘Well then, can you come up here to the front of the class and repeat what I just said...’
I’m sure you can come up with your own ending to that story. I always hoped in those moments that the chatty student would stand to their feet, make their way with a sense of purpose towards the front, take the teacher's whiteboard marker and confidently declare each word of the teacher’s lesson to a standing ovation and rapturous applause of their classmates.
Unfortunately, that was never the ending and has never been the ending.
Time and time again, we learn the truth that hearing and listening simply aren’t the same thing.
Today is a chance to reflect on the areas of our lives where we are simply hearing and not listening. If we aren’t careful, we go through so much of our lives in a half-asleep, lullaby state, not truly paying any attention to the world around us! This part of the parable teaches us that living like that is not simply amoral, but it is DANGEROUS! We have an enemy who is actively looking to distract us away from truly listening to Jesus. The result is no spiritual fruit or growth. It doesn’t only affect you but those who you would otherwise have benefited from your 'fruitfulness.'
Prayer – Lord, wake me up where I am sleeping. Loosen the soil of my heart so that I may produce the fruit of your Spirit.