Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Thursday prior to Proper 10



 Matthew 13:1-9 (18-23) –Various kinds of hearers of God’s Word are examined – the parable of the seed and sower. For an effective sermon it takes sower, seed, and soil. Apparently no fault can be found with the sower (Jesus), or with the seed (Word). The problem is with the soil (the hearer). Only the good soil brings a harvest.

Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow? Well, it all depends on a number of things. Not the least, of which is, the soil.

So it’s also for the Christian. The condition and attitude of the soil, that is to say, the condition of the heart, is critical to spiritual responsiveness and fruitfulness.

Good soil – receptive hearts – live the Word. This is how we can expect good seed to be productive – to bear fruit.

We do this by sharing His story with others – we all know the Gospel hymn, “I love to tell the story” – a question – do we even tell the story? Or, are we embarrassed, or fearful to share the message of Christ with family, neighbors, co-workers? The world was literally turned upside down by twelve men who had a simple yet powerful message – we have seen Jesus alive from the dead. “We are witnesses of these things!” – Acts 5:32  That message has not changed in over 2,000 years. People still need to hear that message – and the only person to tell that message is you! 

We live our lives by serving Christ in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. The world was turned  right side up by the changed lives of these witnesses.  You might be the only Bible another person will ever read! Our church and school will grow only by people being drawn to the Savior – yet He chooses to work through means – Your efforts will not be in vein.

As He has sown good seed – so we also demonstrate with our lives His works. We do this by means of vocation. J. S. Bach would sign every work with three Latin words. “Soli Deo Gloria”, which translates, “To God Alone Be the Glory.”   Do we give God the credit only when we are successful?  In everything we do – to God be the glory – may He alone get the credit.

How true it is. Good soil – receptive hearts – produces good fruit as it is connected to the Word. Be a people who hears the Word, understands the Word, and then, with thankful hearts, live the Word in your daily lives.

Collect for the Word - Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and take them to heart that, by the patience and comfort of Your Holy Word, we may embrace and ever ho9ld fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Your son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Proper 10 Blessed Lord, since You have caused all Holy Scripture to be written for our learning, grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. One God, now and forever.

The sower, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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