Matthew 13:19 (NLT) The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts.
The soil had been trampled down and had become a hard surface more useful for traffic than for crops. This condition affected the seed in that it could not sink into soft soil and be absorbed. Birds pecked it up (Luke 8:5). Satan is alert, prompt, active, purposeful and evil as he “snatches away the seed.” So the soil of the heart must be conditioned; and that often comes as it is broken up (Hos. 10:12), plowed by suffering (Psalm 129:1-3), but plowed in hope (I Cor. 9:10). God is very discretionary in this process (Isaiah 28:24-29) and plows only to the extent necessary to accomplish His purposes (vs. 24). And the time of plowing is followed by a time of sowing (vs. 25). God is methodical in His procedure and purpose and does not use any harsher means than necessary (vs. 26-27). He will not crush the grain (vs. 28). Who do you know who has come through a difficulty and needs to know that God will not crush him? God plows in order to sow seeds deep in the soil for the purpose of bringing forth a wonderful harvest.
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