As Jesus was finishing his telling of the Parable of the Sower to the large crowd that was gathered around him, he said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” (Mk 4:9). Jesus had spoken of a sower who went about scattering seeds, and in the process, the seeds all landed in different locations such as, a hard surface path, rocky ground, soil infested with weeds and thorns, and also good and fertile soil. While some may have enjoyed the relatable story, Jesus was relaying to them that there is a deeper truth to be obtained in the parable he was speaking.

Even the disciples needed further clarification on the meaning of the parable as they asked Jesus in private to explain it to them. Although Jesus was surprised at their lack of understanding, he assures them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you” (Mk 4:11). God’s word is always revealed and laid bare for us when we go to Him for insight. The key that unlocked the parable for them was knowing that the seed represents the word of God and the soil represents our heart.

In the parable, Jesus states that the seed which landed on good soil flourished as “it came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times” (Mk 4:8). This is God’s desire for us, that we will live a life that flourishes in peace, love, joy, and a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment. The word of God is powerful and will produce fruit in our life when planted in our heart.

The Japanese Knotweed plant is known for its invasive characteristic and power to break through concrete foundations with very little methods of subduing it. Although it begins as a miniscule seed, when it grows and spreads, it has caused some nations to spend billions of dollars in attempts to restrict its vegetation.

Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.” God chose to release His power through His seemingly small yet explosively powerful word. It’s no surprise that the culture of this world always has and always will attempt to resist and contain the word of God.

However, in Jeremiah 23:29, God states, “‘Is not my word like fire,’ declares the Lord, ‘and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?’” There is nothing that can contain the word of God. Whatever obstacles you are facing or condition you may be in, God’s word can break through it and make you come out flourishing.

God has given us His guarantee that His word will not fail from accomplishing its purpose. In Isaiah 55:10-11, He makes this clear by stating,

• “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

This is an eternal law and promise of God that will never fall short. As long as God’s word remains planted in our hearts, it will cause us to flourish.

A seed will always remain a seed unless it is planted. Many are expecting a harvest in their life without ever planting a seed. Yet, God has provided a seed for every harvest. An abundance of peace, hope, love, and eternal life are all found in God’s word, and unless we ensure it is planted deep in our fertile hearts, then how can it produce the desired fruit? Psalm 1:2-3 tells us that the person “whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.” When we fill our hearts and minds with the word of God through scripture meditation, we will reap a harvest.

The greatest Seed ever sown for us is the life of Jesus Christ. He was buried in death and resurrected in eternal life for you and I. With His word in our hearts remaining planted and growing always, it is powerful enough to break through any situation we are dealing with and produce a plentiful harvest in our life that will cause us to flourish in every aspect.