Parable of the Sower: Tilling the soil

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."

Matthew 13: 5-9 The Parable of the Sower

There was a dead patch of grass in our front yard.  Every year it got worst and worst. Our neighbor was very helpful.  He asked the superintendent to pour some mud over the dead patch.  Then he came by and spread grass seeds over it.  He told me to pour some top soil over it and water it every day.

The patches with top soil over them.

I am not much of a gardener.  Though I quickly learn the need to keep the soil compact and sprinkled water over it. I once tried to pour water on the soil.  Because the seeds were lighter than the soil, they floated to the top.  Free meals for the sparrows.

A few weeks later, after much watering and patience, we had a few grasslings popped up.

A few weeks of rain and watering.

A closer look. The white spots are flower pedals from a nearby tree.

We didn't see all the patches with the same type of growth.  Though these little grass-lings were positive and gave me hope that we are on the right track.

This gardening experience reminded of a sermon I heard a month ago.  It was on the Parable of the Sower.  In the parable, Jesus later explained that God is the sower.  The seeds were the messages concerning the Kingdom of God (I take this as the Good News).  Different people will listen to the message and have different reaction.

"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

Matthew 13:18-23

First type - Along the path, the birds came and ate it up. (v 4)

(Source: http://ski-zermatt.com/mattnet/pics/summer/2000/A%20typical%20forest%20path.jpg)

Jesus explanation - Those who don't understand the message, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. (v 19)

Second type - Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. (v 5-6)

(Source: http://www.mountainwalk.co.uk/sc%20path.jpg)

Jesus explanation - The man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. (v 20-21)

Third type - Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. (v 7)

(Source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/116/274744697_c1ea470b23.jpg?v=0)

Jesus explanation -  The man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. (v 22)

Last type - seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (v 8)

(Source: http://www.holyseed.cc/Portals/0/Good%20Soil.jpg)

Jesus explanation - The man who hears the word and understands it. (v 23)

The pastor ended off the sermon that we should be preparing the soil to receive the message and produce a crop from it.

My interpretation of this parable is that sometimes when we share the Gospel, some people will accept and some won't.  We can't determine who is which type of soil the seed land on.  In fact, I am leaning on the fact that if I am the first type, I cannot change my soil to the last type (the good soil). It is the God who give us an understanding of His Will and His message (Matthew 16:17).  And I seen that, some people just don't understand.  And some people will believe quickly and stop believing quicker.  Though I concern, my role is not to convert soil (other than preparing my own soil).  My job is to spread the gospel to everyone, just like the sower who spread the seeds everywhere. Regardless of the soil the seed will land.

(Source: http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/images/double-digging.jpg)

I like how the pastor taught us to focus on preparing my own soil. Till it.  My own heart to receive such message. It is more hopeful, practical than my own interpretation.

Ok..so going back to it..how does one practically take this message in?  There are many things we can talk about.  I would say first grow an intimate relationship with God.  Reading the Bible, pray everyday are key ingredient.  Seek an honest relationship with Him.  Have an accountability partner and strive to live everyday to seek His Will (what is His Will anyway?) And of course, follow the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and Great Commandment (Love the Lord, Love our neighbors [Mark 12:28-34]).

A few weeks ago, I crash into Im's car (I wrote a post on it).  Tonight I met up with Im and spent the time to go over his resume.  He had been looking for a job in Canada. He had great skills and experience. I shared with him what I did for my resume and with that how I landed my job.  I sound pretty nuts because I love to job hunt and to send resume.  I never thought resume preparation skills was useful for extending God's Kingdom.  Im was grateful for all the assistance.  I am actually quite excited for Im.  He has great management experience. I can't wait to see the results after we spruce up and polish his resume.

My church is having a 21st Anniversary this Sun.  I invited Im to join me for a luncheon.  I told him there might be a few people that can help him.  Im doesn't know too many people here.

Tonight I thought more about this.  Five years ago, I would never think this resume/job hunting skill would be ever come to helping a neighbor (take note that this is the neighbor that I bang up his brand new car!) and an avenue to share the Gospel.  God uses my careless driving to extend His Kingdom :))) I can still remember those awkward situation when I wonder how generous I should be. Because it just feels so weird and unnatural.  But the more I engage in His Work, the less awkward it feels.  The more I entrust in Him, the more it makes sense!

Like my front yard, I am still tilling my own soil so the seed can produce a good crop.  It will take time and it won't be over night.  It will also take a lot of care.  Just like those little grass-lings I am joyful to see.  Given the right condition, the Father will grow a crop, hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown...

AMEN!!!

Here's a few pics from what my mother had been laboring....

Lilies, POSIONOUS to cats...my cat was very sick last year.  We suspect he took a bite of this beautiful plant.

Jojo, the gardener's supervisor (also the designated squirrel chaser, the sparrow hunter and the grass mower)

Fall Short

This morning before heading to church for Easter Sunday Service, I had a memory relapsed.

It was back in Winter '06 and Spring '07 when I was leading the young career fellowship.

There was a gentleman name Andrew. He was a bit off. Didn't get along with anyone.

There was one night where he made a comment to all the females in the fellowship that was way off. We knew he had a mental problem. But not exactly sure.

I didn't know his background. He lives with his parents and from what I gathered, they were wealthy. He lived in a penthouse. Never worry about work.

One day Andrew gave me a call. He was at the laundry mat with all his stuff. His parents kicked him out.

I didn't know what to believe. He had mental problems.

Is he really saying the truth? Is he lying?

This was taken place during winter. It was cold. He was in a desperate situation. Without thinking much, I drove over.

There he was. With a backpack and a bag with all his clothes. That night, my fellowship was gathering at a Chinese restaurant and I brought Andrew along. We pretended nothing happen.

I did my best to tell a brother and a sister in my fellowship about the situation. They didn't know what to do. I pulled them aside and told them, "let the Holy Spirit lead and if you want to give a few bucks to help him out, do it."

Since he didn't had a place to stay, I drove down to the nearest hotel and drop him off. I didn't had time to find a cheap motel or cheap rates. The matter was urgent and Andrew needed a place to stay.

I put down my credit card and told Andrew that he can pay me back later.

I still remember how I felt.

I am going to drop one hundred and something bucks for this guy. What about me, Lord? You see how tight my money situation is. I am already barely enough to have my teeth fix and pay bill (and train!).

I didn't give much thought to it. I told him stay here for two nights (up to Saturday).

Andrew was very thankful. He kept saying, "don't worry, Cliff. I will pay you back. I have a lot of money in the bank. I own you one."

I picked him up on Saturday. I suggested Andrew to stay one more night then head to church on Sunday. He didn't what that and didn't know what to do. I dropped him back to the laundry mat.

....

On Sunday, he gave me a call. He was on the street. He needed a ride and I picked him off a major intersection. It was snowing and he had a little suitcase with him. I remembered picking up that suitcase and in haste dumped it in the back seat. Because of the snow from the roller on the suitcase, I thought it ruined my car seat. I cursed.

Andrew heard it and apologize. By then I was ticked off.

I asked him where did he want to go.

I am tired of being his chauffeur. If he had the money, why didn't he use it?

At that moment, he gave me cash for the hotel. I dropped him off at the subway.

....

A few weeks gone by. Andrew called me. He told me he was in a shelter somewhere in Scarborough, a 40 min drive from my city. I asked him if he could speak to his parents and reconcile. He didn't want to.....

That was the last time I heard from Andrew....

I didn't know why I thought about him today. Of all the things that happened, I know I fall short.

I was so blinded by my own needs I couldn't see the dire situation Andrew was in. I could have go and talk to his parents (I never met them before but I could have try). Who gives a rip about a car seat when there is a brother that is living on the street?....

I fall short.

Since the last time I heard from Andrew, I learnt about Acts 2 church and sharing with brothers and sisters in Christ (Acts 2:45), the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), and the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-31)...all will go to waste if I just know it in my head but not in my heart.

It is sad and painful when looking back and realize I should have done more. I just pray to the Lord that these painful memories is etch forever in my heart. So that my faith and my action works together (James 2:14-26).

Lord, may I do what Your Words say and not just listen to them.

May I not just grow in knowledge and become self righteous and live in an ivory tower.

I thank you for when I fall short, You are still the Sovereign Lord who is merciful and loving kindness to defend those who are weak.

Mold my heart so that I will become a man that stares his face in the mirror and walk away remembering how he looks like.

A man that only seeks Your Kingdom and Your Righteousness.

A man who looks intently at the perfect law.

The perfect law that gives freedom and life!

Ala James 1:19-25

I called Andrew a few years ago. His number had been disconnected.....

I still pray for Andrew from time to time....

A promise of God's Grace: A Prodigal God

I've been listening to Tim Keller's sermons on the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) for the past week. Today I loaded all of them up on my dad's iPod Shuffle (I am testing it for him :P) and hit the trails.

One of Tim's sermons was entitled, The True Older Brother (Luke 15:17-32).

To give a quick background of the parable, the older brother represents the Pharisees. Tim then pointed out that Jesus is speaking to his enemies (the Pharisees).

This is a transcript taken at around 26 min mark in the sermon:

The very end of this story is wonderful....because we don't just see the father pleading to his older son. We see Jesus Christ pleading with his enemies....to the people who are going to kill Him...and what does He do?

Does He say, 'you bast**d!'

Does he scream at them? Does he yell at them?

Listen to it, 'my son, my child. I know you try hard. I know you work very hard.

On the one hand, this parable is a punch between the eye.

You don't understand the very purpose of the Father. You think you are close to God.

Don't you understand everybody lost here. You have good people lost and bad people lost. Everyone is lost....

He is not pulling any punches. Yet He is so tender. He is so patient.

.....

Jesus didn't fight back. Just like the father react to the older brother in the parable, He pleaded with them. He asked them to come back.

And who else are Jesus' enemies? You and I.

Tim brought Romans 5:8-10

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

Then it dawned on me. I can recall those times when I was the older brother. The smugness of being a Christian. Looking down at those who do not know the Lord. Or at church, looking down at others because they aren't 'strong' Christian. Or using my Bible knowledge to shot someone down to boost my pride. Asking the Lord, why is this person getting xyz when I have been so faithful.

Oh the anger of the older brother. The fury of the older brother. The rebellion nature of the older brother. I was there. I've been there.

And yet, what did Jesus do to me? He didn't scold me. Nor did He punished me. He didn't even struck me down. He didn't ask for me to pay Him back (not that I can). He was gentle. He was patient. He pleaded with me. He even gave me ministry for His Will.

What did the father say to the older son in the Parable?

..you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.. (Luke 15:31b)

Everything the Father has is mine. Wow. Materially I might not have much. But this is the heavenly Father we are speaking. The glorious riches that is hidden in the eyes of this world.

And really at the end of the day, what do I really seek...the reconciliation of a broken relationship with the Father. And Jesus already mend that. He mended it on the cross.

And here's the ironic twist. For God to reconcile us, His enemies, back to fellowship with Him, He had to severed the relationship with His very own Son:

Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

When I heard that, I was filled with tears.

How can a God be so generous for the younger brother and the older brother?

It took one righteous man to die for the unrighteous. A innocent lamb has to be slain for the guilt of the world.

And I have the privilege of being in a relationship with a Father that have so much grace, it overflows.

At the sight of the Cross, I see my sins that cause Jesus to bleed and die such a humiliating death.

I cry.

Because there is no other way.

At the sight of the Cross, I see a reckless God that is willing to do anything and everything to bring me back to Him.

I rejoice.

Because He considered me more worthy than all the stars in the universe.

And who am I to deserve such riches beyond comprehension!

Humiliation and affirmation on the cross..nothing else!

The Prodigal God

Last Sun School, we were learning about the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15).

The teacher mentioned about this book, The Prodigal God, by Tim Keller.

For the past week, I had been listening to Tim's series of sermons on this parable.

It so rich. With contrast between the human heart and God's heart. I order the book and I hope it arrives today. I can't wait :)...

Repost: Everyday Justification

Picked this up from Tim Chester's blog. This is quite a good post on how to live everyday as a Christian. So that now that we are saved, so what? It becomes clear to me, that everyday living, there is a lot of angst, frustration and worries, which digging deeper are me trying to prove myself to myself and others.

http://timchester.wordpress.com/2010/02/10/everyday-justification/

Many of us are confident we’ll be justified on the last day – acquitted before God through the death of Jesus. But what about justification today and tomorrow? Are you still trying to prove yourself?

• Do you ever get angry or brood because you want to prove you’re in the right?
• Does your Christian service feel like joyless duty?
• Do you ever feel the pressure to perform?
• Do you serve others so you can feel good about yourself or impress people?
• Do you look down on others or exaggerate their failings?
• Do you worry that you won’t make the grade in life?
• Do you enjoy conversations about the shortcomings of others?

Reflection
Read Luke 15:11-32. The attitude and behaviour of the father is a picture of God’s grace to us in Christ. Look at the behaviour of the older brother. How do we behave when we don’t grasp God’s grace and our status as his children?

Restless anger
‘The older brother became angry and refused to go in.’ (28) We view life as a contract: we do good works and in return God blesses us. When things go well we’re filled with pride. When things go badly we either blame ourselves = guilt (anger against ourselves) or we blame God = bitterness (anger against God).

Joyless duty
‘All these years I’ve been slaving for you.’ (29) The older son doesn’t see himself as a son at all, but as a servant. The father has his obedience, but not his love. Joyless duty will characterise our attitude if we think of God as an uncaring boss. But when we see him as a gracious Father our attitude will joyful service. Does God the Father have your obedience, but not your love?

Anxious performance
‘I never disobeyed your orders.’ (29) There are people trying to perform day after day in a desperate attempt to prove themselves. They live in a constant state of stress and busyness, always striving to put in another great performance.

Proud comparisons
‘This son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes’ (30). We highlight other people’s faults so we can look better ourselves.

There are acts that look like good works, but in fact reflect a belief that I’m a better saviour than Jesus. That’s why Jesus says: ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.’ (John 6:29) There’s only one thing God wants us to do: have faith in his Son. Everything else will flow from that.

All is not lost. The father goes out to plead with the older brother (28). He welcomes his dissolute son and he welcomes his self-righteous son.

The last part is by far the most reassuring. Reading the Parable of the Lost Son, I never picked up on that the Father welcome both his dissolute and self-righteous son. That's God's grace at its best!

There are moments when I look back, I act self-righteously. To act in pride and self ego and disguise it as Christ-like behavior.

And I am learning, relearning, and relearning....and relearning...to live without the prove of others and myself. There is no need to make the grade in life. Everything that needs to be done is already done.

AMEN!

(Now that's some Good News :D)