Spring Fever
Weather-related conversations are pretty common, especially as we weary of the cold and blustery days of winter. This past week has given everyone a terrific boost, as we smile more easily, have a little spring in our step, and just feel more cheerful as we soak up the sun’s warmth and gaze at the clear blue sky. Spring fever is probably the most highly contagious condition in the Northern Hemisphere!
My daughter and granddaughter have been poring over seed catalogues, planning to use some heirloom seeds, discussing which parts of the yard the plants should be located in for the best result. Their enthusiasm is such fun to see, and although I may not put in a garden, I’ve suggested that if they run out of space, they could do a little planting in my back yard. As spring approaches, the possibilities seem endless, and our optimism knows no bounds.
Speaking of seeds, and growing, I found what I was looking for in the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 4. Here Jesus tells his disciples a parable, in which he describes a sower going out, spreading the seeds, and the results that occur depending on where the seed falls. He speaks of seed landing on a path, on rocky ground, in a patch of weeds, and on good soil. I’ve always enjoyed this parable, because I get it — Jesus uses a very familiar image. I may not be a master gardener, but I know where seeds will or won’t flourish, and that the best yield comes from good soil!
What is striking about this particular parable, however, is that this is the time when Jesus very precisely explains the meaning of each location where the seed falls, that the seed represents God’s word, and the crop, or lack thereof, is what people do upon hearing God’s word. He makes it so crystal clear that it sounds like something of a tutorial in “how to interpret a parable”. It’s no wonder the disciples addressed Jesus as “Teacher” much of the time.
Please read Mark 4:2-20 for the entire story. From this homey parable, it’s not a great leap to ask ourselves what happens when we are given the gift of God’s word, what kind of soil we are when that seed falls. Verse 20 tells us: “But those (seeds) that were sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty-fold and sixty-fold and a hundred-fold.” We here in Iowa know and appreciate the amazing blessing of good, rich soil — and through our relationship to Christ, we can BE that good soil!
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers