T H E  S O W E R

L a w  o f  U n c o n s c i o u s  G r o w t h

“And he said, “So is the kingdom of God, as if a man cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knows not how,” Mark 4.26-27.

* In Matt. 13.1-52, Jesus also explains the nature of the kingdom (also, Mk. 4.1-32).

Avoiding the stony ground, Mt. 13.5.

The image of the Sower is iconic.  

Sowers represent promise and bounty.

As every farmer knows, a field is sown until the whole field has received the seed.  A complete sowing is necessary for a good crop.  The farmer does not mix his field with various seeds; he sows a different seed in a new field.  Consistent and proper sowing is illustrated as Jesus instructs in the Parable of the Sower.

Mark 4.14: “The sower soweth the word (=logos).”*  Jesus describes four different kinds of people.  The first saying (15): ” And these are they by the roadside,” indicates casual people, those of the world.  “Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.”  They may cherish very little of the spirit, and thus it is easy for Satan or any other belief, such as Pharisaism (Mt. 16.6), to take away the truth they hear.   

*logos: expression of thought, that which is spoken, written, the account (from Kregel Comp. Bible).  II Cor. 9.10, “Now He that ministereth seed to the sower, both minister to your food, and multiply your seed sown,” provides a formula for how God works, “and increase the fruits of your righteousness.”  God has abundant seed available, and He delivers the harvest as well.  It is you, the Sower, who is between these two realities—Seed-Sower-Harvest.

The second group (v. 16) are described as stony ground.  These also are people that the word soon leaves.  (17) “affliction (=tribulation) or persecution arises for the word’s sake,” these may be people cowed by the priestly hierarchy, namely the Pharisees.  They may otherwise be easily tempted away.  They stumble and fall down easily, but do not arise.  Soon they forget.  They are not deep enough soil to hold onto the root.  They lack depth, even though at first joyful.

The third group is perhaps the largest, referred to as “thorns”: “And the cares (=anxieties) of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.”  That we lust too much, are too attached to the world, allow too much to enter in, entranced by the physical yet give little or no time for the kingdom, this regimen remains the most common of all.

The last are those who are the good ground, (20) “sown on good ground…hear the word, and receive it…bring forth fruit,” with the emphasis on receiving (instead of grasping).  Those who are expectant of what God may reveal for them, they are ready and can receive the seed of the kingdom.  They are the cleared field, the overturned ground, and thus they may receive.  But, the Sower must do his work before any fruit can come to harvest.

The Law of Unconscious Growth and the Kingdom

In Mark 4.26, Jesus introduces the kingdom, “So is the kingdom of God,” and then discribes how the kingdom is created: “as if a man cast seed into the ground,” he then waits (with patience), “…and the seed should spring and grow up.”   The kingdom cannot exist unless it is first sown.  Even in Genesis, the Word has to be spoken.  Sowing is a key factor in understanding your own progression as a soul—the kingdom must be sown.  Sowing seed is the nature of the kingdom, speaking the Word is in the nature of the kingdom, even at the core, and prayer brings communion even as the appeal is spoken.  New creation starts with a seed.

This simple process, sowing seed for the soul, but by the spirit, describes one formula for growth within the Teaching of the Way.  This sowing will produce results, kingdom results, within you.  Day by day the fountain of the spirit exudes light and understanding.  Whether the seed is sown through prayer, speaking the Word (spirit), or direct sowing, no ‘kingdom’ progress (growth) can come into being without that first planted seed.  All of the progress you have made as a soul has come out of a seed planted beforehand; there is no crop, no change, no progress, otherwise.

Jesus is this sower of the Kingdom Seed, there is no doubt, but as we find in v. 34, “He expounded all things to his disciples,” Jesus brings the disciples into fuller understanding.  Jesus teaches us critical aspects of the kingdom pathway, that is, to name the good kingdom seed, sow that good seed, and the spirit of God will begin to manifest within and around you.  Jesus finishes with, “For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain of the head” (28).  The spirit intends fulness, satisfaction, completeness.

The practice that begins to unlock the mysteries of the kingdom is revealed: to sow into prepared soil until the field is entirely sown, then step back and allow the crop to sprout, nor worry over the field every moment.  It is only a matter of time, “night and day,” Jesus says, and the field will begin to sprout (=nazara).  “When he put in the sickle,” the harvest is reaped.  The harvest is that portion of the kingdom that enters your life and is received (reaped).

The parable also indicates that the spirit does the growing, not the man, and further illustrates Jesus is not initiating a ‘works’ teaching or discipline, but more closely a practice, the practice of sowing good seed, essentially Kingdom Seed within and without.  We do not see Jesus as tasking us to the many rules, but moves toward an interactive relationship with the kingdom within.  Sow spirit to spirit even as you should pray.   

Once the farmer casts his seed onto a prepared field, he has finished his work; harvest awaits.

Mark 4.26-30 describes one method used to walk in the Way.  We all plant thought-seeds throughout the day, so why not be focused and plant the right seed in the prepared field?  You are the Sower, but you are also the prepared field, and it is upon this prepared ground that the spirit brings the new growth.  Then, be at peace that the crop is sown and the harvest is coming.  Sticking to what you are supposed to do and leaving the spirit to its part delivers an effective method for change, primarily within yourself, and by extension, in the world you live.

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Preparation?

In Mark 4.24-25, Jesus reveals what is required: “Take heed what (how) you hear [really listen]: with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.”   The man who cannot give a measure of careful listening, or even investigating further, is left behind.  Revelation is seldom given to the casual listener.  Understanding builds upon itself; the kingdom-life expands as more understanding is added.

Yet, as many have not first prepared themselves from within, they cannot receive any part of the kingdom message.  They may have many questions about life, or be confused or unfocused.  For this reason, sowing into the spirit to clear the field of confusion or lack, may be the first good sowing a person does.  Further, a lack of preparation within oneself is one reason people pray and pray but get no results.  They often pray with intensity, but not spirit to spirit.

Walking in the Way is the spiritual pathway Jesus taught, and such a pathway will always require some preparation before undertaking the journey, much as Jesus did in his ministry.  For any person, this kind of preparation can be done through prayer or sowing the Seed of Preparation.  Sow seeds so that the workers can clear the field and plow it.  Seed yields best in prepared ground.  Then, proceed to sow a well-considered seed into that prepared ground.  Jesus then tells us to prepare ourselves to receive in much the same manner as the farmer.

Sowing into your pathway is simple, but how few are dedicated enough to practice?  Fewer still realize that the reaping is primarily directed toward the kingdom and most directly applies to you as a soul, not solely used or even intended as a form of acquisition (See, Seth & Enosh).  Within the practice of sowing good seeds, the spirit within will give the first notice of manifestation; you will sense the difference.

Jesus demonstrates the abundance of God as we see him healing, speaking, teaching, consoling.  In doing so, Jesus reveals this unending harvest, that the more shall be given, much as the unending kingdom itself.  Jesus states that good soil is a vital part of the kingdom, and he refers to the people themselves, or the individual.  In the case of v.34, it was the disciples, as they had already been prepared soil.  If you are reading this, you are probably prepared soil.

When you sow a good seed, the spirit brings forth the crop from within (unconscious growth).  Harvest is near.

That is your signal to become an active participant (receiving, harvesting) in the kingdom of God!

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Hidden Parts and Hearts Desires

Mark 11.24 gives us a recipe for our heart’s desires: “…whatever things you ask (desire) when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”   Verse 25 continues with the admonition to forgive, so that you may be forgiven.

The inward or hidden parts are really where unconscious growth begins.  In Psalm 51.6, David speaks to this inward change.  David beseeches God to cleanse his sin even as he acknowledges his transgressions; he then says, “Behold, thou desire the truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shall make me to know wisdom.”  David is soul-sick, and only such a change can cure.  Truth for the inward being and heart-wisdom heals the real problem, and David finally recognizes that.  No more moralizing or excuses, even that the flesh weighs heavy (born into sin)—David is broken.

Personal reflection is required when walking the Path of the Way.  When a person begins to examine elements related to character (the plank in their eye), this represents the clearing and plowing of the field.  Thus, sowing seeds into fundamental aspects of character or performance will always yield a firm foundation, for this is the field where the spirit most wants growth.  In many ways David’s confession clears the field for him.  He finally sees his lack without excuse.  He has finally settled with God in all truth and honesty.

Spiritual development is never in a hurry—first the clearing, then the plow, then the seed, then the growth, then the harvest.

Just as Jesus speaks on earthly matters, Jesus reveals the mysteries of growth within the kingdom. “The sower sows the word,” Jesus tells us in Mark 4.14.  Soon after, Mark 4.20: “But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”  The good ground describes any individual who will receive the seed, one who nurtures the growth, and ultimately reaps the harvest, that he, too, may bear good fruit.  If any man may receive the calling, then it follows that any man may sow good seed, for that was how the spirit called him in the first place—the seed came first.  Within this brief saying of Jesus lies much of the hope of man.

Remember that the sown seed has to sacrifice itself to sprout.

As to sacrifice, let us revisit Cain.  Cain insists that God honors his labor and the way he performs it.  Cain’s attribution to himself and his ways is conspicuous.  We might conclude that his thinking is misdirected, and he appears unbalanced in his pursuit of his life mission.  He sees God’s apparent lack of blessing as unfair but never seeks a greater understanding of why this might be.  The hard-scrabble crop he offers for sacrifice mimics how he perceives God’s inattention.  Cain is careless, haphazard, and thoughtless within the vanity of his struggle.  For all his labor, Cain sacrifices nothing within himself.  He replants the same seed in the same stony ground.  The hard shell of his seed does not sprout except to difficulty and greater consternation.  Cain does not change, but perceives Abel, who is favored, as the gig in his side.  Cain never bears good fruit (Mk. 4.20); he is not a man after God.

Since the kingdom of God is within you, the good seed you sow will always manifest within before it manifests without.  

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Receiving Harvest

Then looking to the fields as if already white with harvest (Jn. 4.35), it is this phrase Jesus gives us to explain our connection to the kingdom and announces that many are ready to come forth.  Jesus always keeps a strong vision for the future, and this is an inherent quality of the Way.  This scripture has always been interpreted to initiate some urgency within the ministry, and to complete this current harvest.

As to each person, Mark 4.24 offers a similar message, but deals with sincerity and the measure you give, so you also receive: “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them (=[They] shall be to you).”  This scripture delivers the mechanics of sowing seed combined with belief, on this occasion through prayer.  It should be taken seriously by all practitioners of the Way.

Looking to the fields “already white to harvest.”                                                                             

“What measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you.”

“Believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

All of these statements deal with what is to come, and how it shall be measured out;

all point to the future of your life pathway.

When these scriptures are investigated we discover that the teaching of the Way begins with Belief-Faith, and perhaps dedication.  Jesus is teaching that belief also confirms, “Believe that ye receive them.”  Belief might be thought of as Continuation, or an active affirmation or dedication into that which is sown.  The intent is to express only righteous desires within a structure of communion.

Reaping the harvest becomes part of your life experience in knowing God.  A further awakening occurs as the harvest is accepted or received.  This can be thought of as the ‘to him who has, more is added’ part of your pathway development.  The pathway lies underneath and supports the journey.  So, it is good to stay on course by sowing good seed.*   Having goals is not the same as having a pathway.  God honors fresh sowing—the new harvest becomes a part of the heavenly blessing as you walk your path.

*Tempering the heart and the tongue; unifying mind and heart; completing my harvest; walking in closer communion, are examples of good seed.

Thus, learning to receive is of great importance in the teaching of the Way.  Asking is not the same as receiving.  No matter how badly you want something, wanting is not the same as receiving.  The harvest may be before you, but many cannot see the harvest.  Learning to receive (instead of always grasping) illustrates the Path of the Way.  Steady and consistent, the above working method truly offers the keys to the kingdom Jesus describes.

When the scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus the woman caught in adultery, he demonstrated mercy and saved the woman from being stoned (Jn. 8.3).  He pronounced her worthy in the eyes of God.  Jesus held her up to God, showing mercy, protecting her, and naming good seed into her.  What seed did Jesus leave her with?  “Go,” he said, “and sin no more.”  Likewise, do not diminish yourself, even amid sin or great difficulties, but follow the instructions to plant good seeds, seek God through prayer, and, when necessary, be willing to speak the spirit into the circumstance, known as speaking the Word.  The ministry of your life requires active participation!

In the Parable of the Weeds, also known as the ‘Wheat and the Tares,’ Matt. 13.24-30, Jesus explains that a man sowed good seed into his field, yet others came during the night to sow weeds.  The owner tells his servant to let both grow until the difference becomes apparent.  The roots of the wheat will be strong enough that pulling up the weeds can then be accomplished.  Sowing that a bad character nature should be removed (weeds) should also state the good (wheat, crop) to be received.  Always end your sowing by sowing to the positive. 

As you plant the good seeds, many will discover a stronger contrast to positive and negative thinking, constructive and destructive actions, and speech.  In other words, once the planting has sprouted and grown strong, weeds begin to appear.  You can see them now, where before you couldn’t.  Negative thinking or doubt might show themselves due to positve seed you have previously sown, but as Jesus teaches, stay focused on the vision of the field ripening toward harvest and, if necessary, sow seed to maintain a positive course.

The spirit nourishes your planted seed, just as it does the planted seed of the farmer, and allows the crop to grow within you.  In both cases, growth is spontaneous, both in the physical and spiritual worlds, even though we may not be completely aware of how the spirit accomplishes this growth.  The Parable of Unconscious Growth in Mark 4:26 effectively illustrates key understandings of the  mysteries within the kingdom.

God Bless!