This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Be blessed, Rev. Dr. Sandy Seaton-Todd
Bible Verse Matthew 13:9 Let anyone with ears listen!
Bible Story Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Jesus told a parable about a sower. Some of the sower's seeds fell on the sower's path and were eaten up by birds. Other seeds fell on rocky ground and withered in the sun. Other seeds fell among thorns which choked them as they grew. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced vast amounts of grain.
Jesus explained the parable. When anyone hears the Word of God and does not accept it, they are like seed sown on the path as the evil one keeps the truth from them. When someone receives the Word of God quickly but doesn't let it take root in their heart, their faith is like seed sown on rocky ground that is received but when trials come, it doesn't last. When someone hears the Word of God and their focus is on earthly greed, their faith begins to grow but ultimately will be choked by the lure of wealth and earthly desires. But the one who hears the Word of God and lives by it, bears much fruit.
The Word of God that comes to us through the stories of Jesus in the Bible and through our relationship with Jesus in our hearts will lead us to have the greatest possible positive impact on the world if we receive the Word in faith and if we put the Word first in our lives.
The Word of God has two meanings, referring both to the Bible and to Jesus.: (1) the Bible is the written Word of God, and (2) Jesus is the living Word of God. We increase in faith and in good work when we listen to and follow the Word. I encourage everyone to set aside a time first thing each morning to read a passage from one of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John in the New Testament of the Bible and to have a conversation with Jesus. Ask Jesus to teach you God's truth as you read, to increase your faith in God, and to lead you throughout the day.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, lead us forward. Lord, open our hearts and eyes. Lord, help us.