FOUR HEART CONDITIONS
In Jesus’ parable of the sower, He described four heart conditions that determined their receptivity to the gospel. Jesus explained the meaning of the parable to His disciples. He explained that the “seed” is the gospel, the “sower” is the one who preaches the gospel, and the four types of “soil” are the four types of hearts. In addition, the “birds” who ate the seed represent the wicked one, the devil.
The four soils or heart conditions were:
1) THE HARD HEART. Represented by the soil on the wayside or path, which is hardened so that the seed does not penetrate and the birds eat it.
2) THE SHALLOW HEART. Represented by the stony soil. The seed sprouts quickly but has no root, so that it does not persevere when troubles come.
3) THE DIVIDED HEART. Represented by the seed that fell among thorns. It sprouted but was choked by thorns representing the cares of this world.
4) THE RECEPTIVE HEART. Represented by the good soil which hears the word of God and receives it, bearing much fruit.
Which heart condition best represents your heart?
PRAYER: Dear Father, our hearts are receptive to Your Word today, but we have not always been so. There have been times when Your Word fell on our hearts when they were resistant or distracted by worldly care. Forgive us. Help us to always be receptive to Your Word. For we never outgrow hearing and applying the gospel to our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.