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As we read this verse as explained by Christ from the parable of the seed and the sower we notice a couple of things, firstly we see it is a two-part arrangement where it is firstly hearing, then doing as described as bearing fruit. Matthew 7:24 “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:”

We also see that the explanation describes firstly seed, then it goes straight to where the plant is bearing fruit and nothing in between. For us to understand more about this we have to look at a natural tree in God’s creation.

We understand that this seed is the start of faith and as it grows a small tree is tender and cannot handle the harshness of those things around it. It needs to be tendered and watered, it needs nutrients and the sun and as it gets all that is required in the correct quantities it can continue to develop and grow.

As we recognise that once it becomes a large tree it can become something very helpful for all those that are seeking refuge and shade and support and most importantly fruit for food.

As we consider this parable and we consider the tree we recognise that we only see the outside of the tree, we don’t see the root system that holds it stable and upright and we don’t see what is inside the tree, we only see the outside. This has similarities to ourselves, where nobody can see that our faith has to be deeply rooted in our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ in order for it continue to grow.

Trees, like us go through different seasons, sometimes there are times when it is easy and sometimes there are difficulties or dry periods such as droughts. If we look at the timber within the trees and talk to a woodworker the most beautiful timber is the one with the most woodgrain or growth rings, this is no different to us where when our faith is tested and goes through difficulty or trials this grain or growth ring on our soul becomes something of beauty to the Lord, but is unseen from the outside. These difficulties or seasons also allow for us to provide support to others from these experiences.

When also considering a large tree that has gone through many seasons we see strength in that tree, we also consider nature again and realise it can still be prone to challenges in life. One example is if the seed of a strangler fig becomes lodged up in the tree, over time it will slowly take over that tree and suffocate it out. For us it can be referred to as the seed of doubt, if we allow that seed of doubt to be planted into our faith, no matter how big or old our faith is, it has the ability to strangle out and can eventually suffocate and smother that beautiful faith that was planted through the workings of the Holy Spirit.

So, as we consider our Lord’s parable let us continue to nurture and water this faith through the Word of Truth, and by doing so, that we bear the fruits of our faith as our part in the Lord’s work.