Sowing God’s word

And when a great crowd came together and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold.”

Luke 8:4-8

The parable of the sower is one of my favorite pieces of scripture. Its meaning becomes richer to me every year that I live. Sometimes I read it with my heart, sometimes my mind.  

The scripture reminds me that no matter what, keep trying and never give up. This is an important message to the disciples, to me, to all of us.

The seed is the word of God and how it falls on us varies. Situations in our life can make that word fall on deaf ears or a hardened heart. Sometimes the devil prowls in our midst and the words of love, compassion, and hope are tossed away in our despair. We feel vulnerable and hopeless in the face of authority and burdens. Let us not forget that Jesus tossed out the darkness and defeated the devil. When we allow the light to pierce the darkness of our soul, the rays of light come in, and we are cracked open. In light and joy we are able to create together an abundant, beautiful world and church; places of love and compassion.

The scripture touches my heart and mind in different ways at different times. 

Sometimes I read evangelism and sharing of the word.

Sometimes when I read this scripture I reflect on the transitory life, the rocky, uneven path of life. The hungry predator is allowed to prowl. The feeling of hopelessness become weeds in my heart. Then God reminds me, I am part of  community. When I cannot carry myself, my community will carry me. My Christian family will shed light and love on others and me. In the giving of their time, talent, and treasure, they are blessing others and themselves. The seed has  fallen on fertile ground. God’s church begins to prosper. Together we grow and prosper on fertile soil because we hear the word, we see the word, we feel and live into the word, we share. We are stronger together, different parts of one body working together to plant a healthy and flourishing garden/church. 

The post-Covid world has plunged us into weary and hurting times. God’s words are often not heard or seen. In the anguish, the devil is allowed to prowl. In prayer and quiet meditation, let the words of Jesus Christ cascade into our hearts. Bind up and march out our fears, anxiety, and grief placing them at the foot of the cross. 

Remember you are blessed with abundance. You are beloved. Walk forth, surrounded by love and light, into sacrificial giving and sharing of our blessings. 

There will be abundance, we will flourish. The seeds will fall on fertile soil. We can do all things surrounded by God’s love and word.  

Hear what the spirit is saying to God’s people.

Thanks be to God!

In peace,
Deacon Jackie+