SOWING FOR THE HARVEST
Mark 4:1-20
by Pastor John Apostol
Worship Pastor

When reading the parable of the sower, we normally focus on the 4 types of soil and what each type produces. But for now, let us center in on the sower. Let’s look at this person and understand the his mission, his method of sowing, and the measure of his success.

The sower’s mission in sowing (vs 3)
The sower has one desire as he enters his field: to get the seed into the soil so that he can reap a harvest. The Seed refers to the Gospel and its innate power. When it is planted, it becomes a new form of life. Rom 1:16 says that “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”

We are not just to keep the seed to ourselves. We must sow it into the field of the world expecting a harvest 30, 60 or hundred fold. Have you received the gospeI seed in your life and experienced its power? Why not cast that seed to others.

The sower’s method in sowing (vs 4-8)

In these verses, the sower casts his seed into the field far and wide. Such should be the method of our sowing as well. The commands of our Lord’s commission are clear:

We are to “Go”! Where are we to go? “Into all the world”, Mark 16:15. No place is off limits. No people group is off limits. We are to go everywhere and tell everybody!

We are to “Tell “the Good News! Mark 16:15 says “Preach”. Matt. 28:19 says “Teach”. What are we to tell a lost world? Are we to brag and boast about our church? Our preacher? Our programs? No! We are to tell them about the Good News that Jesus Christ died for sinners! (1 Cor. 15:3-4).

We are to tell “Everybody” - Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” We ought to make sure that everyone in the circle of our lives hears the Gospel from our lips.

The sower’s measure of success (vs 4-9)
As a sower of Gospel seed, you and I are not responsible for the kind of soil our seed falls into. We cannot even judge the condition of the soil, because we cannot see into the heart of it. We read about the hard, rocky, thorny and good soils. Only one is truly ready for the seed.

Was the sower a failure? No, he was successful in his work, because he fulfilled his mandate. His mission was to sow the seed, and that is what he did! Our responsibility as believers is to obey Christ and sow. Don’t be discouraged when people to whom you share the gospel do not respond positively. It only means that they are not yet ready.

What can we do to prepare good soil? Let us plow more by building up relationships; let us pray not only for them but with them, and let us be persistent in showing the kindness and love of Jesus.

If you want your friend to know Jesus and if you want members of your family to be saved, and if you are moved by what you see around you… SOW! Rom 10: 13-15.

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