The Sower's Seed: Embracing the Mystery of God's Word

In the heart of the Gospel of Luke, nestled between the bustling gatherings of eager listeners and the quiet fields of a sower, lies a parable that speaks directly to the soul of every believer. Today, we delve into the parable of the sower, as recounted in Luke 8:4–8, a narrative that challenges our modern sensibilities of efficiency and success. The message is clear: the Word of God is sown, and its growth is left to the divine. Our task is to sow, and then to rest in faith, hope, and love, trusting in the mysterious workings of the Holy Spirit.

The parable begins with a sower going out to sow his seed. Some seed falls on the path, some on the rock, some among thorns, and finally, some on good soil. The sower does not discriminate; he simply sows. This act of sowing, seemingly wasteful to the modern mind, is a profound lesson in trust and patience. Jesus tells us, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" It is a call to listen deeply, to understand that the seed—the Word of God—will bear fruit, not by our efforts, but by divine will.

The Challenge of Modern Congregations

In our churches today, we often lament the sparse attendance, the dwindling numbers, and the financial strains. We devise programs, seek new musical styles, and even consider abandoning traditional liturgy in our quest to draw more people into our congregations. Yet, the parable of the sower offers a stark contrast to these efforts. It reminds us that three-quarters of the seed does not take root, yet the sower continues to sow without hesitation or concern for efficiency.

This parable challenges us to reconsider our approach. Are we too focused on the numbers and the immediate results? Do we trust enough in the power of the Word to simply sow it and let it take root as God wills? The sower does not engage in sophisticated agricultural techniques to ensure growth; he simply sows and leaves the rest to the natural course.

The Simplicity of Sowing

The sower's act of sowing is beautifully simple. There is no mention of irrigation systems for rocky ground, no artificial application of topsoil, no painstaking removal of thorns. The sower does not worry about where the seed falls; he simply sows and then waits. This simplicity is a profound lesson for us. It suggests that our role is to proclaim the Gospel, to sow the Word of God, and then to trust in its inherent power to grow and bear fruit.

In our modern world, where we are accustomed to controlling outcomes and measuring success, this can be a difficult concept to embrace. Yet, the parable invites us to let go of our need for control and to rest in the assurance that the Word of God will do its work, even if it is not immediately visible to us.

The Promise of Growth

Despite the seemingly high failure rate of the seed, the parable assures us that the seed that falls on good soil will yield a hundredfold. This is the promise of the Gospel: that even a small portion of the seed will bear abundant fruit. It is not our job to ensure this growth; it is the work of the Holy Spirit, who moves as He wills.

This promise should bring us great comfort and relief. We do not need to strive endlessly to build a "successful" church. We do not need to worry about the numbers or the financial stability. Our task is simply to proclaim the Gospel and to trust that God will bring about growth in His time and in His way.

The Mystery of the Holy Spirit

The story of Pentecost and the role of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament further illuminate this truth. The Holy Spirit cannot be compelled; He moves where and how He wills. We see this in the early church, where even after the great revival at Pentecost, conflicts and problems soon arose. The ideal of a constantly growing, vibrant church is not the norm; it is the exception.

Yet, through all the challenges and imperfections, the church of Jesus Christ has endured. This is a testament to the power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is a reminder that our role is not to control or stage the growth of the church, but to faithfully proclaim the Gospel and to trust in the mysterious workings of God.

Embracing the Sower's Way

As we reflect on the parable of the sower, let us embrace the simplicity and the mystery of sowing the Word of God. Let us sow with faith, hope, and love, and then watch with patience and reverence as God brings about growth. Let us not be discouraged by the numbers or the immediate results, but trust in the promise that the seed that takes root will bear fruit a hundredfold.

In this way, we can find peace and liberation from the pressures of modern church growth strategies. We can rest in the assurance that our task is simply to sow, and that the growth and flourishing of the church are in God's hands.

May we, like the sower, sow the seed of the Gospel with joy and gratitude, and then enjoy the Sabbath rest that comes from trusting in God's mysterious and powerful work.

Amen.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all our human understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus for eternal life."

Sermon held on 02/07/2021