The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23)

Hello All,

The gift of gardening is certainly an innate ability given by God.

I say this because that is a gift that I truly do not possess.

For those who know me well, they are able to testify to that.

Even the hardiest of all plants, the cacti, have died under my care.

In my enthusiasm to hydrate them, I must have drowned them in the process.

Today, I am certainly not going to teach you about the art of gardening, but we will be looking at a famous parable from the Bible which tells us about a different kind of gardening.

The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23)

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (3^rd Jun 2013)

Let me tell you a story which is no fable

It is known as the parable of the sower

The sower set out to a vast and open field

He scattered many seeds, not knowing what they'ld yield

Some seeds fell along the path and were devoured by

Merciless birds that swooped down swiftly from the sky

Other seeds fell on shallow soil with rocky ground

They grew but withered when the scorching sun shone down

Other seeds fell upon the soil of prickly thorns

Which grew up and choked the shoots that were newly born

The seeds that fell on the good soil produced healthy

Grains of a hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty

The disciples sought the guidance of their teacher

To shed some light on what they could not decipher

Jesus patiently explained to his disciples

The meaning of every soil in this parable

The seeds that were devoured by birds along the path

Are those who reject the Word stolen from their hearts

By the evil one who has lured many away

From believing that Jesus is the only way

As for the seeds that were sown on the rocky ground

Are those who initially rejoiced when they'd found

And received the gospel, but would soon fall away

When persecution for Jesus Christ came their way

The seeds that were sown among the thorns are people

Who hear the word but are choked by the cares, pleasures,

Wealth and other things that the world has to offer

They leave the faith and serve Jesus Christ no longer

However, the seeds sown on the good soil are those

Who truly trust in Christ as their faith in him grows

Stronger each day as they abound in their good deeds

For they listen to God's Word and follow his lead

Points for Reflection:

·         Before we delve into the implications of each soil, what do you think the seed represents? The seed actually refers to the Word of God, the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ.

·         The various types of soil on the other hand, refer to human hearts and their differing responses when they hear or read God’s Word.

·         There are four kinds of soil which Jesus talks about in this parable:

1. Pathway
2. Rocky Ground
3. Thorny Soil
4. Good Soil

“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. (Matthew 13:18-19)

·         Have you been rejecting the gospel just as the seeds that were sown along the pathway were snatched away by the evil one?

·         Have you been refusing to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour even though your friends, relatives or your loved ones have been persistently sharing the gospel with you time after time?

·         If so, then this is a solemn warning for those who reject the gospel because the only way to be saved from eternal death and judgment is by believing in Jesus’ atoning death on the cross.

Whoever believes in him [Jesus Christ] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:18)

·         Come and put your trust in Jesus Christ before it is too late.

As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. (Matthew 13:20-21)

·         Are you firmly rooted in the Word of God?

·         You may call yourself a Christian but have you been grounding your faith in God’s Holy Word so that when tribulation comes, you will be able to stand up for Jesus instead of falling away?

But whoever denies me [Jesus Christ] before men, I [Jesus Christ] also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:33)

As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22)

·         What are the cares, pleasures, ambitions and riches of the world that are luring you away from Christ?

·         Are you chasing after the things of this world but neglecting God’s kingdom? Be careful that you do not fall away but return to the Lord.

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (Matthew 6:24)

As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” (Matthew 13:23 ESV)

·         For those whose hearts are burning brightly for Jesus Christ and his Word, continue persevering in the gospel and do not be disheartened when trials come but hold on to our loving God who promises to keep us trusting in him.

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. (Colossians 1:11-12)

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

·         Are you seeking to share the gospel with those who are lost and still in darkness? Have your evangelism efforts slowed down due to the disappointments or busyness of life? Do not give up proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ but continue asking God to enable you to bear abundant fruits for the kingdom of God.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

In Christ: Impetus for Holy Living

Hello All,

Today’s poem was another one written based on a sermon series delivered by Sam Allberry in my church’s annual camp in 2012.

In Christ: Impetus for Holy Living

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (7^th May 2012)

In Christ we are called to be holy

To continue in sin is great folly!

For Christ Jesus has broken the chains

Of sin which no longer reigns

Listen here, sin, we bid you good bye!

Be gone with your deception and lies!

For Christ has redeemed us from slavery

To your control, dominion and mastery

Let us consecrate our hearts to the Lord

To walk in His holiness is great reward

But when we fall to sin's alluring call

Run to the cross that has conquered all

Points for Reflection:

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:1-3)

·         With regard to the subject on holy living, most Christians have a tendency to swing to two extremes: -

1. Cheap Grace
2. Merited Grace

·         Christians who believe in cheap grace have the standing that since salvation is not earned by our good works but through Christ’s death on the cross, we are free to indulge in a life of sin and pleasure.

·         On the other hand, Christians who believe in merited grace are insecure about their salvation in Jesus Christ and would try their very best to live holy lives to earn their place in heaven.

·         But the Bible tells us that God has chosen unworthy sinners like us to be justified by Christ’s atoning death on the cross. Because we have been saved by God’s grace, he has redeemed us as his beloved children and has set us free from the dominion of sin. He has given us the Holy Spirit to enable us to gradually and daily change sinful areas in our lives. Thus, good works are products and evidence of salvation instead of a ticket to heaven.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)    

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:22-23)

 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16-18)

·         Which extreme are you more inclined to lean towards? Do you call yourself a Christian although you are immersed in a life of frivolous sinning? Are there sinful areas in your life which you are clinging on to? Are you constantly striving to earn God’s forgiveness and approval? Are you unsure about your deposit guarantee in heaven? I pray with all my heart for the Holy Spirit to convict and rebuke those who believe in cheap grace and to comfort and assure those who are enslaved by merited grace. However, for those of you who are gospel-centered Christians, may I urge you to encourage your family or friends who need to know the true gospel of grace in Christ Jesus.

A Friend's Prayer

Hello All,

Today’s poem is a sincere and earnest prayer that emanates from the heart of a friend.

A Friend's Prayer

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (4^th March 2013)

Dedicated to Ng Yan Mei on her birthday

This is my heartfelt prayer for you each passing day

For God to guide and comfort you in every way

May his living Word fashion all you do and say

At the cross, may your burdens and cares be allayed

There is a hope that the world cannot comprehend

Which helps us to, against our enemy, stand

Christ, our Shepherd, will lead us safely by the hand

Through this journey until we reach the Promised Land

There is an everlasting love that knows no bounds

That overflows from Christ Jesus, the living Fount

Who is our refuge, foundation and solid ground

May our steadfast love for him and his church abound

Points for Reflection:

·         If you know of friends who might be struggling with trials, difficult situations, dilemmas or temptations, this would be a good time to start cultivating a habit of praying for them.

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16)

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. (James 5:13)

·         Even if your friends are not going through difficulties, you should always remember them in your prayers and be concerned about their growth in Christ. It is also vital for us to thank God for his abundant love, mercy and grace shown to all who are in the family of Christ.

And it is my [Apostle Paul’s] prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)

I [Apostle Paul] do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:16-18)

·         For those friends of yours who have not accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, I believe there is a great urgency on your part to pray for their salvation so that they may share in the marvelous hope of eternal life that we have in Christ.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

·         Many of us are often negligent in our prayer life and we would only start praying when all our human resources and efforts fail and hit a dead end. But that should not be for God tells us in his Word that we should pray regularly for each other.

·         There are also those of us who do pray regularly but out of pious obligation. My friends, prayer to our heavenly Father should fill our hearts with joy instead of dread. It a treasured tool that God has given to us to pour our hearts, fears and desires to our loving God who hears every word.   

The Light Against the Night

Hello All,

I pray for God’s Light to shine into hearts of those who are still blinded by the darkness.

 For those of us who are in the Light, may God prompt us to share His Light to the world.

The Light Against the Night

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (19^th March 2013)

Dedicated to Yeinnee Phang in appreciation for the contribution of her picture which so clearly illustrates the message of this poem

Groping helplessly in sin's darkest night

Unable to tell my left from my right

Then Christ came with righteousness as his light

Saved me and turned my blindness into sight

Before the Light, sombre clouds loomed

Carrying with it sin's sorrows and gloom

Hope, peace and salvation could find no room

In sin's punishment of eternal doom

From Satan’s realm Jesus has redeemed me

He bore my sins and nailed them to the tree

I’m now free from the yoke of slavery

I’m a child of God for eternity

Points for Reflection:

He [God the Father] has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

·          ‘I am afraid of the dark’, ‘Don’t leave me alone in the dark’, ‘Don’t go to dark places’, ‘My world is surrounded by darkness’, ‘These are dark times’…  Those are common statements and phrases pertaining to darkness which you would have heard of. The word, darkness, carries a variety of meaning, such as the absence or deficiency of light, wickedness, evil, obscurity, concealment, lack of knowledge or enlightenment.

·         But how does the Bible define darkness? The domain of darkness is the realm of Satan where all sinful human beings without Christ are trapped in. It is a common notion to categorize people as good and bad based on their moral conduct, integrity and contribution to society. But the fact is all men are in the domain of darkness and are unable to justify themselves based on their good works.

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. (John 3:19-20)

“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:10-12)

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)

·         Take some time to think about the people in your life who are still the domain of darkness. Have you been praying and looking for opportunities to share the gospel with them?   

·         Only Jesus is able to redeem us from the darkness of Satan’s rule into his Kingdom of Light. He bore our sins on the cross and became our substitute so that those who believe in him will be saved from eternal judgment in hell. In him we have the hope of eternal life.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

I [Jesus] have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. (John 12:46)

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5)

·         Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? Or are you merely intrigued by the good news but prefer to remain neutral? The truth is there is no sitting on the fence but you are either in the domain of darkness or in the Kingdom of Light. Jesus is the only One who is able to deliver you from Satan’s realm and he is extending his hand of love and mercy to you. Will you take his hand and let him lead you into his Kingdom?

·         If you consider yourself a Christian, are you living as a child of the Light? Have you truly submitted your life to the loving leadership of Christ? Or are you rejecting God’s rule in your life and stubbornly persisting in certain sinful habits? It is true that we do sin from time to time and we are far from perfect. God is merciful and gives us provision to confess our sins to him and ask for his forgiveness. But that does not mean that we are free to indulge in sin and then say a prayer of confession. If you are truly a child of God, the Holy Spirit should be constantly convicting you of sin and enabling you to change to become more like Christ each day.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. (1 John 1:5-6)

And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, (1 John 2:3-4)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)