Parable of the Sower and Soils

Mark 4:1-20 is a parable Jesus told and his explanation of it. I've read this parable many times, heard sermons on it, probably preached sermons on it, taught Bible Studies about it and meditated on this scripture. Today as I read it, I thought of myself not as one of the types of soil as I have always done previously. This time I thought of myself as the sower. Jesus doesn't say in his explanation of the parable who the sower is. He simply said, "The sower sows the word." As a follower of Jesus I sow the word daily. Sowing the word does not just happen when someone preaches it or teaches it. Sowing the word is done even when we live it in our day to day lives.

While talking with a couple of friends the other day. One expressed frustration over not being able to assure the outcome. Basically, she was saying she wanted those on whom she sowed the word to receive it and produce bountiful crops. I shared my thoughts with her that it is not our part to assure the outcome. Now after being reminded of this parable I would say it this way...it is our part to sow the seed. We sowers can't make anyone be good soil. Some of the seed we sow might end up being eaten by the birds, scorched by the sun, or choked by thorns. Our work is to sow the word. The outcome is God's work.