Luke 8:8 (NKJV)
“But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold." When He had said these things He cried, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
Today's verse gives us the fourth soil, which is the best soil. Again Jesus interprets what He says here in verse 8 in verse 15, which says.
Luke 8:15 (NKJV)
“But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.”
Here is The Passion Translation:
Luke 8:15 (TPT)
“The seed that fell into good, fertile soil represents those lovers of truth who hear it deep within their hearts. They respond by clinging to the word, keeping it dear as they endure all things in faith. This is the seed that will one day bear much fruit in their lives."
We are responsible for the condition of our soil. The Prophet Hosea says “Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you” (Hosea 10:12). This means not allowing ourselves to get pulled away from our relationship in the Word, prayer, and praise, as this begins to harden our heart towards the things of God. We must stay tender before the Lord and allow it to transform our lives.
What is the fruit it should bear?
Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
Please understand that it takes time for the seed to fully grow and produce fruit. Notice the end of verse 15 says, “bear fruit with patience”. We don’t like to read this. Weren't we crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6)? Having become a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17)? We just heard the Gospel is to produce the nine Fruits of the Spirit, right? The answer to all of these is “Yes”! However, it does take time. Just like Jesus tells us we must be born again, and in order to do so we must first die. A seed is the same, when it goes into the ground it first dies, then through diligent nurturing it begins to grow and produce what was inside the seed!
Humans want immediate results, that is a characteristic rooted deep inside us. We get discouraged when we feel we are falling short. If anyone knows and understands this, Jesus does! Many will try to fake perfection to those around them, and it doesn't take long for them to fall in their own strength.
The truth is, that a lack of honesty and humility in our walk with the Lord can lead to sinful pride, which will separate us from God’s presence. Staying humble is the best option, and realizing that with patience we will bear all the fruit in time!
We all have different struggles and vices. Some can be overcome right away, while others may take years or even a lifetime. Be encouraged today that Jesus doesn’t expect perfection, He just expects us to give Him everything, put our complete faith and trust in Him, believe His Word and obey it!
Let us be thankful today for God’s patience towards us. Pray that we may continue to grow, and to bear fruit!