Reflections From Sunday Evening

In the parable of the Sower Jesus talks about planting seeds. Seeds get scattered in various places - a path, rocky ground, among thorns and on good soil. The results are fairly predictable. Seed that falls on the road tends to get eaten up by birds looking for food. Jesus likens this to the devil coming along and stealing the Word from people before it takes root and makes sense. Other seeds fell on stony ground - this is like the seed that sprouts up but in the heat of the day the produce withers. When the Word gets started in a person's life it will get taken down when challenges to faith arise. The seed in rocky places is like the Word sown in a life but the cares of this world choke it out. Only in good soil does seed produce. Jesus indicates we might expect as much as a 100 fold increase!

This weekend many seeds were planted just in our church alone. Here are some examples of seed planting. Greeted at the door - fellowship in Sunday School classes - a lesson for our youngest children - music - prayers - scripture read - a sermon - corporate worship - personal prayers - a smile - a handshake. You could add to the list. All these are seeds of the gospel of grace being planted week after week. We do it here and seed planting is reproduced all over the world. You will be planting seeds this week. The daily planting is essential for kingdom growth.

My question is this. How do we get to the good soil? Is it merely by chance? Is some soil predetermined to be good while other is just not going to produce? (That could be a Calvinist's interpretation but we are Wesleyan!) Should we be more selective in where (or to whom) we plant seed? Is there anything we might be able to do that would produce good soil? Are we able to create an environment in our church where the seeds being planted on a regular basis will be finding good soil - our hearts and souls?

Would you join me in praying that the seeds planted find good soil and we are privileged to witness seeds growing up and producing much fruit - many hearts touched - many lives moved - many souls saved.

It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.