Kingdom of Heaven, Part 2

In 30 AD Galilee, As the season for sowing seed ended, farmers and their families were anxiously awaiting the first signs of growth. Hope was rampant that their own personal needs for would be met, and extra crops raised to share, barter, or sell for other family needs. It was a perfect time for families to venture away for a day to see Jesus and listen to His stories.  

“A farmer went out to scatter seeds in a field. While the farmer was scattering the seed, some fell along the road and were eaten by birds. Other seeds fell on thin, rocky ground and quickly started growing because the soil wasn’t very deep. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched and dried up, because they did not have enough roots. Some other seeds fell where thornbushes grew up and choked the plants. But a few seeds did fall on good ground where the plants produced a hundred or sixty or thirty times as much as was scattered. If you have ears, pay attention!  

Those listening could imagine their own circumstances. If one of the poorer families, you would cast seeds by hand, carefully placing them for an optimal chance to grow. But if the family were able to, sowing was accomplished by cattle. A sack filled with holes would be attached to the animal and as the animal traveled, the seeds would be scattered. While the farmer sowing by hand would be careful with his seed, the cow would be less concerned with where the seed fell, leading to seed being dropped on paths or stony ground. 

Later, Jesus told His disciples, “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.  Those along the road are those who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, that they may not believe and be saved.  Those on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root. They believe for a while, then fall away in time of temptation. What fell amongst the thorns; these are those who have heard, and as they go their way, they are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life; and they bring no fruit to maturity. Those in the good ground, these are those who with an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it tightly, and produce fruit with perseverance.” 

Jesus’ entire ministry is summed up in Matthew 4:17: He began to preach, ‘Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of heaven is near,” and Matthew 4: 23, “Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee teaching in the synagogues announcing the good news about the Kingdom.”  

While “fitting in” with the world and its comforts is more important to multitudes, there are those few who grow in their belief and share their Heavenly love relationship with others. Let the good news of salvation be the heart of your ministry. 

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