Four Soils of the Heart

It’s crucial how we listen as we study Scripture.

As an illustration, look at the parable of the four soils in Mark 4. Jesus finishes the parable by calling His disciples to listen attentively (4:9). When His disciples were alone with Jesus, He took the initiative to explain the parable (His way of training them after the “basics”). This parable is so crucial that Jesus explained: if His disciples have difficulty understanding this, how could they understand any teaching (4:14)? The seed is the Word of God sown into people, with four different conditions of their heart in this particular season. God’s Word, His Love-letter to us, is sown:

First, along a trampled path. Over the years, the enemy of our soul has incited people to trample on hearts. Jesus says that Satan comes and snatches away the Word as soon as they hear, before it germinates.

Second, on shallow soil where the rock beneath the thin layer of soil has not been broken up to allow the roots to sink deeply. They initially receive the Word with joy, but quickly turn away when hard times come.

Third, on distracted soil. The soil is fertile and so bears fruit. Fruit is quickly choked though by three very common practices in our society. The worries of this life; the deceitfulness of wealth; the desires for other things. Fertile soil will grow more than just good seed.

Fourth, on good soil. They have prepared their hearts to hear, accept, and respond, thus producing a flourishing crop of fruitful increase.

What is the state of your heart as you approach God’s Word? Which one soil best represents your heart today? ________________________

1. Trampled Soil: Satan immediately comes alongside and you listen to Satan’s whispered lies. “You will never understand this.” “Others maybe; not you” “You are not enough.” “You don’t measure up.”
2. Shallow Soil: Have you allowed the tough times of your past or present life to make you bitter or better? We all experience the hot water of trials…none are exempt. Place an egg, potato and coffee beans in the same hot water. One hardens, one softens and one releases flavor. What is the state of your heart? Has it been cultivated and prepared for a rich harvest by good responses to tough times?
3. Distracted Soil: Is your life full of worries about tomorrow, chasing after wealth and a desire to have more stuff than you now have? These very common societal goals will crowd out the Word of God in our hearts so truth does not have room to flourish in us.
4. Fruitful Soil: This is what Jesus is after, a life that produces a 30-, 60- and even 100-fold increase in what He sows. God’s grace provides what is necessary for us to be able to respond quickly.

This is Reflection #42 in my book, Foundation Stones. I also have a web-site with tools, books and "more than Bible studies" that have helped me to live out of this spiritual DNA, www.JimFredericks.com