Good Ground (Mk 4:8)

Today's reading is Mark 4 and Luke 10-11.

The larger parable (Mk 4:1-9) deals with four kinds of soil. This post mostly deals with the good soil.

1. The quality of the seed is never debated. The seed is God's Word and all of it is inspired (2 Tim 3:16-17).
2. The quality of the soil is never accidental. Why did the seed on the pathway not take? The path was hardened and uncultivated. It had not been turned over. Why did the seed on rocky soil not take? No one had removed the rocks. Why did the seed on thorny soil not take? No one pulled up the weeds or dug out the thorns. Why did the seed on good soil produce? Someone took the time to cultivate the soil, separate the rocks, pull the weeds and dig out the thorns. Intentionally, this soil had been prepared. (All this talk about cultivation, separation, digging out -- doesn't it remind you of repentance?)
3. The quantity of the produce is always exponential. The 30-fold, 60-fold and 100-fold increases all began with the seed. Never underestimate the vast potential of one verse of Scripture or one act of obedience.
4. Seed that is never planted will never produce. The purpose of the seed is to grow a plant or vine that produces fruit. Jesus wants you to be fruitful (Jn 15:1-8; Gal 5:22-23). Fruitfulness starts with the seed. Don't merely get into the Word. Allow God's Word to get into you.