Sunday Words of Encouragement September 30, 2012

Wow! I don't know whether to share from our great Sunday School lesson or Pastor's insightful sermon. I'll save one for a day when we are away from service. (We had small group dinner club after church today so this post is a bit later than usual.)

We celebrated communion and Pastor shared a message he titled "He Who Has an Ear."   The message was on the well known section of Matthew 13 known as the Parable of the Sower and the Seed. As often as I have read and heard these verses I was impressed with this clear outline.
There are four soils that the seeds fall upon.

First (verse 4):  The seed falls along the path and birds came and ate it. They didn't have highways then so this would be the edge of the property where people walked. The soil was packed down so it wasn't ready for the seed. It represents those whose hearts are closed to the Word of God. They are not open minded; they do not see, nor hear nor understand the message. When they are exposed to the attack of the evil one they have no defenses and the safety or nourishment that might be provided by God's message is snatched away.  (See 2 Corinthians 4:4  The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.)

Second (verses 5-6): Some seed falls on rocky ground.  It springs up quickly but when the sun comes the plant is scorched and withers because it has no root. There is soil there, but not much. The rocks haven't been cleared to allow for the plant roots to take hold and get good growth. This represents people who received the Word of God in joy but don't continue to seek Him. They don't work with the Spirit, especially if they can't control what is going on in their lives. They are not trusting in God but in themselves. They must dig in, ask God to get rid of the stones and allow the Word to grow in their hearts.

Third (verse 7):  Other seed falls among thorny ground and is chocked out as the plant tries to grow. There is good soil for the plant but the weeds are allowed to grow up stealing nutrients and overshadowing the plant.  This represents those people who allow the cares of world to eat up their vitality. They will struggle among the worldly weeds and won't grow properly to a strong productive plant. They must learn not to allow 'things' to crowd out the plant.

Fourth (verse 8):  Finally, other seed falls in good soil where it yields a fruitful crop. The soil is rich, it has been cleared and cultivated - prepared for the seed. The heart is open and the person is willing to Work with the message; to be an intelligent hearer of the Word. I liked that this verse notes that the crop (harvest) will vary in amount.  The fruitfulness is impacted by different gifts, circumstance and responses.

Verse 9 "Whoever has ears, let him them hear."

Are you producing fruit?  What kind of soil in your life? Are you looking to produce a small or large harvest?

I searched a while for the song video that I thought would go with this message.

I have selected this video of a song that is new to me.

It has a message that fits with having an open heart for God's Word.

I hope you enjoy the song and the images, many of which fit the fall season.

Verses for today:
Matthew 13:16-17 (NIV)
16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

I thank my creator that He gave me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart that opened to His calling. I pray: God grant that your Word may grow in me and that I may use the gifts that you have given me to be fruitful for Your Kingdom.