Generosity and Persistence

In the traditional understanding of the parable of “The Sower and Seed,” the focus is often on the soil as a description of our hearts, of our openness to the word of God being sown into our lives. The soil/heart is described as a well-trod path, rocky ground, a bramble of thorns, or rich fertile soil. There is some insight there to be sure, but it does not necessarily give insight into a remedy.  Some have described it as “the soil under your feet”. All one must do is to look down, assess the conditions where you stand in life, and move. Move to the rich fertile soil – and yes, along the way you will have to deal with birds, the weeds and the scorching sun.

At least two things stand out for me about the Sower: generosity and persistence.

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A Man Named Simeon

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him.

Luke records the inspired reaction of Simeon to the bringing of Jesus into the temple. We seem always to think of this man as old, though there is no evidence apart from his cheerful readiness to die (v.29; cf. 26). Attempts to identify him as a priest or an important citizen are without foundation. The name was a common one; apart from this story we know nothing about him. But the story does indicate that he was “righteous” and “devout.” The first accolade is likely meant to tell us that he was in a right relationship with God and man alike. The second accolade, “devout” (eulabes) is a word, only used by Luke in the New Testament, describing a person who was attentive and careful about religious duties and obligations.

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