Matthew 13:3 — “Then he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘A farmer went out to sow his seed.’”

I shouldered my bag and started the hike from my car to the Molly Caren Agricultural Center. I had arrived, along with 50,000 other people, to enjoy the sights of the annual Farm Science Review in London, Ohio.

After surrendering my ticket at the gate I paused to gain my bearings. I immediately noticed a huge sign inviting me to “Uncover Your Phosphorus Variability with Grid Soil Sampling.” Now I have never even considered the phosphorus variability of our soil, but working in the real estate business, I know that soil matters.

The farmers attending this event had great interest in this information. The perfect mix of sand, silt, and clay can be the difference between an average and a bumper crop. These farming men and women love the land, and the yield supports their families and the world.

Two thousand years ago Jesus understood the earth’s importance to a farmer’s livelihood, and He used it as an example of another type of soil. Sitting out in a boat on the nearby lake, Jesus told a parable to a large crowd.

“A farmer went out to sow his seed,” He began. Some of the seed fell on the hardened path and birds came and ate it all up. Some fell on rocky places at the edge of the field. These sprang up quickly but wilted quickly when the sun radiated its scorching rays.

Still more fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the plants. But some of the seed fell onto good soil. This seed produced a bumper crop, multiplying what was originally sown by as much as a hundred times. Jesus explained the meaning of this parable to his confused disciples.

Many will hear the message about God’s kingdom, but not all will understand. For some, the evil one snatches away what was sown in his heart. For others, difficulty causes them to fall away quickly.

Some will become overburdened with the thorny worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth. But the one who receives the message of God’s kingdom and understands it, will yield a crop up to a hundred times what was sown.

You may never need to know the phosphorus variability of your particular plot of earth, but it wouldn’t hurt to evaluate what kind of soil makes up your heart. Do you hear God’s message and respond with joy and obedience? Or do you allow the evil one and the cares of this life to choke out any seeds of truth?

Ask God to cultivate your heart to receive His good seed. He will do it, and you will be thrilled with the high-demand crops He produces in your life.

Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com