Lectionary Reading 12 July pt 2
Reading. Romans 8:1-11
Paul begins this chapter with the word ‘therefore’ alluding to all that he has been previously arguing through the last few chapters of Romans: every part is linked to the complete salvation that Jesus Christ by his death and resurrection has achieved. Paul then goes on to say; ‘now’ there is no condemnation. We should not miss the inference that this word has for it reminds us that all that was needed to be done on our behalf has been accomplished; failure has been dealt with now, new life has been given; now we are set free to serve God. There is an immediacy about what Paul is writing: the full deal has been transacted. John Wesley used to say “You are as close to God as you will ever be!” You may not feel like it, or there may be a sense that you would like to be closer to God. The reality is that what brings you into intimate connection with God is nothing but the work of Christ and that has all already been accomplished. Without condemnation life in all its fullness can begin.
Prayer. Heavenly Father, to do your will is the way of peace and in your service we find perfect freedom. Strengthen us by the power of your Holy Spirit that in all things we may be set free from worldly ambitions and all wrong desires and serve you faithfully. Trusting in our Lord Jesus Christ, grant that with patient endurance we will honour your name and give glory to you alone, the one true God. Amen
Reading. Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23
The parable we call the sower is the first among a series of parables about the kingdom which has begun with the coming of Jesus, but it is also about failure and fruitfulness. Much of Matthew’s gospel with its linkage with the Old Testament is about Christ the Messiah and the coming of the kingdom.
As we think about the parable we have to consider who is the sower? In our reading it talks about a sower, some versions have a farmer, In the original Greek the phrase used in “The” sower. Who is the sower?
Then we have to consider- what is sown, Matthew’s answer is the word of the kingdom, In mark 4:14 says it is the word. Luke: The word of God. Now we know what the Word of God is from John’s gospel which says “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”. John 1:1 If what is sown is Jesus the word of the kingdom, then The sower is the Lord God. God has sown Jesus into our world, the kingdom is at hand, the challenge now becomes “Let anyone with ears listen!”
The parable was spoken to a large gathering, perhaps as W Barclay suggests, Jesus could actually see the sower in action from his position in the boat. The parable was explained in detail to the disciples, probably reminding us that there is a deeper rationale behind it that might first appear.
The disciples really loved Jesus, they had given up everything and followed him. However there must have been some misgivings. They saw the wonderful acts of mercy and healing, heard his expounding of the scripture: They also saw that despite his popularity he was violently opposed by the priests and chief religious leaders. Also many synagogues rejected his teaching. At the very best the disciples must have had mixed feelings. Into that mix we might stand as well: fully for Jesus but then perhaps with some reservations.
The parable is both a warning and an encouragement.
Sowing is very much a part of a process. Much preparation needs to be done before any sowing can be undertaken. Even in the ancient world it was more than scatter and hope. Seed was precious and so there had to be preparation. For us that preparation is the life and death, the ministry of Jesus.
No matter how much we might wish it otherwise, God will not bend the rules for anyone. There are no exceptions. God has a way in which to deal with all of life and that is irreversible. And a sower; The sower, will always be looking for a harvest. God is looking for his word to have its harvest in the hearts and lives of all those who hear, including you and me. So “Let anyone with ears listen!“
Not to hear, or to allow the word to slip away unheeded has dire consequences. On the other hand to receive the word and respond to it reaps a bountiful harvest, a response to the sower’s work. This parable is for us a word of encouragement. A farmer looks for results but always in due season. As scripture says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart”. Galatians 6:9 Despite difficulties and even opposition, the kingdom in the end will flourish.
Prayer. Lord you supply seed to the sower and bread for the eater, by your grace supply and multiply our seed for sowing and increase the harvest as we reach out in your name. May our store of love and care increase as we seek to serve you in our communities. Grant that we may have eyes to see and ears to hear what your Spirit is saying to us. In all things we give you thanks, for the calling that is ours to be your disciples, taking your salt and light out into the world. In all things may we be beacons of light and hope that point always to you. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit; One God for ever and ever. Amen
Collect. Jesus, divine storyteller, the seed of your teaching has taken root throughout the earth; may we hear and obey you, so that the stories of our lives will speak your word; we ask this in your name. Amen.
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