Gardening

Mark 4:3-4, 15 “ Listen, A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath and the birds came and ate it… The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away”

A few years ago, my family decided to try a small backyard garden. Both of my parents grew up on farms. Farming is in their DNA and in theory, gardening should be in mine. Over one Saturday afternoon we built a nine foot square to help keep out grass and weeds. Then we filled it with soil and fertilizer, and planted the seeds. Our two dogs, fascinated by this new addition to their yard, spent a few minutes meandering through it. We thought nothing of it. The dogs barely even packed the dirt, and left the seeds completely alone. The next day however, we discovered the dogs gnawing at the dirt. Quickly they were shooed from the garden, and we began to build a fence for the garden. The garden was far from ruined, but we had realized our flaw. We left our garden unprotected, and unsupervised.

The parable Jesus used in Mark 4 speaks of seeds sown. Some seeds fell on a path, some on shallow dirt, some among thorns, and some on good soil. On the shallow dirt, and among the thorns, the seeds at least sprout. Only the good soil produces fruit, but the seeds on the pathway do not even sprout. Immediately these seeds are plucked away by Satan. This type of soil might be the most common. There are many people who, although they hear the good news, never take it to heart, letting it be snatched away before it has a chance to sprout.

A few important things about seeds sown on the path:

-The soil is harden and beaten down

Through circumstances, upbringing,and influences, these people can often be hardened towards even the thought of God and the gospel

-The seeds are convenient.

The seeds sown on the path are very accessible. There was no attempt to secure or hide the seeds on the path. As an effect, they become very easy targets.

-There is no guidance or supervision

Scarecrows have existed since the early days of civilization The purpose of a scarecrow is to “look after” the seeds and discourage birds from picking at the crops prematurely. When Christians sow the gospel, they should also disciple and guide younger Christians.

Sometimes the seeds sown are in our own hearts. Some of us have had aspects of the good news stolen from our hearts. Maybe Satan has snatched away your confidence. 2 Timothy 1:7 says “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and self control”.

Many times Satan steals our love, for God, for our friends, for our spouses, for ourselves. 1 John 4:9 says “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love”. If you find yourself as pathway dirt, where Satan as stolen something from your heart, certainly you are not alone. Set your eyes on God, and ask him for help.

“I sought the Lord and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears” Psalms 34:4

1. Is your heart hardened towards God because of circumstances?
2. Does your lifestyle make you an easy target of Satan’s?
3. Has Satan stole from you? If so, claim those things back in your life today.

--Conner Smith