TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
Matthew 13:8
DEVOTIONAL
by Stephanie Reloj
I had a plantita phase during the pandemic. I learned that in order to germinate seeds effectively, I need to put them first in damp tissue and cover them so I can simulate the dark underground feeling. Then, overnight or two, I can already see the leaves sprouting. As I planted them, some died, but most of my plants grew. I was able to grow tomatoes, Pechay, lettuce, chili, and more. It’s so fulfilling to work hard and eat the literal fruits and vegetables of my labor.
In the parable of the sower, at its core lies the seed—the gospel message. This message embodies the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, who bore the weight of our sins on the cross, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe.
Just as the sower scattered seeds on different types of soil, the gospel is proclaimed to people of varied hearts and minds. Some hearts are like the hardened path, where the seed cannot take root, snatched away by the enemy. Others are like rocky ground, where the seed sprouts quickly but withers under pressure. Some hearts are choked by thorns, consumed by the cares of the world, rendering the seed unfruitful. Yet, there are hearts like fertile soil, where the seed flourishes and yields abundant fruit.
As we contemplate this parable, we must introspect: What kind of soil are we? Are our hearts receptive to the gospel, allowing it to take root and grow? Or are we hardened, shallow, or distracted by worldly concerns? The challenge for each of us is to cultivate hearts like fertile soil, ready to receive and nurture the seed of the gospel.
Let us prepare our hearts through prayer, study of God’s Word, and fellowship with other believers. Let us remove the thorns of worldly distractions and the rocks of superficial faith, allowing the gospel to transform us from within.
REFLECTION
Just imagine how fulfilling it feels when we see God one day. Despite being in a sinful, dark world, His word grew in us, and we are able to produce fruit by His grace. He will say, “Good job, my good and faithful servant.” So, today, let us commit to being good soil, yielding a bountiful harvest of righteousness, and spreading the seeds of the gospel to others. For in embracing the message of salvation, we not only experience new life in Christ but also become instruments of His grace, sowing seeds of hope and redemption in a world in need.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious seed of the gospel, which brings salvation and new life. Help us to examine our hearts and cultivate soil receptive to Your Word. Remove any hardness, shallowness, or distractions that hinder our growth in You. May we bear fruit abundantly, sharing Your love and truth with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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