There is something not right in the photo, something is out of place. The seed has been scattered on ground which we can see is clearly not ready to receive it. The seed may be good seed but the ground in this condition will not allow any real growth.
The Lord Jesus while here upon earth spoke a parable of the sower. In this He spoke of 4 different ground conditions – the way side, the stony ground, the thorny ground and the good ground. Matthew ch13 v3-9. These were used to illustrate the various ways in which people hear the Word of God.
This photo is of a farm track – maybe something like the way side described in the parable. This seed will not grow because it has not gone into this hard ground, it will probably be eaten by birds or other creatures. The Lord Jesus said ‘And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:’ Matthew ch13 v4
In explaining these various types of ground the Lord Jesus said ‘When any one heareth the word of the Kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which is sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.’ Matthew ch13 v19
A farmer selects some grain and it is ‘dressed’ and prepared for sowing. Time and effort are given in preparation for sowing. That seed he is to sow is ‘precious’ to him and he hopes for a good yield from it come harvest time.
In the ministry of the Gospel the ‘word of the Kingdom’ is good seed – the failing to bring forth fruit is not because of the seed itself. Care must be taken in sowing. The psalmist says, ‘He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.’ Psalm126 v6. An encouraging promise not in respect to farmers but for those who ‘sow’ the word of God. It’s good seed - precious seed - in prayerful preparation and experience it is made precious to the sower, and even though at times they may sow in tears, yet the word of God declares ‘They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.’ Psalm 126 v
What about the ‘ground’ where this seed is sown? What need there is for an understanding heart as we read and hear the preaching of the word of God. If our desire is to bring forth fruit how careful should be our hearing, what prayerful preparations should take place before we hear! How often in condition our hearts are as every other type of ground described but not that which is called ‘good ground’. Prayerfully and carefully the word of God must be sown and prayerfully and carefully received. ‘Who hath ears to hear. Let him hear.’ Matthew ch13 v9