The Sower and The Soil

I have often said that the parable of the sower could easily be called the parable of the soil, however, the Gospel writer refers to it as the parable of the sower.  There is a reason he does.  I have said that it could be called the parable of the soil because the changing factor in the different parts of the story is related to the soil.  It shows that it is our job to cast the seed of the Gospel in all places and let it fall where it may.  We are not responsible for the soil but the seed.  However, when I looked at this familiar passage this morning, He just reiterated to me something that I want to show you.  No new truths here, just a friendly reminder.  Christ's explanation of the parable is in Matthew 13:18-23 (www.lifejournal.cc)  ¹⁸ "Hear then the parable of the sower: ¹⁹When 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. ²⁰As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, ²¹yet 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.^{[b] 22}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. ²³As 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."  What did God point out to me this morning?  They have to hear it.  What they do with it is between God and them, but whether they hear it or not, is between God and us.  Let's not assume a thing today.  Let's share Christ!