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.
Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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