January 26, 2018 - GOOD SOIL?

Day 26 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 20, Psalm 24, Matthew 13:1-17)

“As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”  (Matthew 13:23 ESV)

In the 13th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us via the parable of the sower. There is seed that does not live up to its potential. It falls on bad ground, on a path, or is overcome by weeds. Yet there is also seed that does live up to its potential. This seed has fallen on good soil.

The picture provides a great outline for understanding verse 23.

● The SEED is the Word of God, the means by which the Lord teaches us His Law and Gospel.

● The SOIL refers to all in whom the Word takes root. By the grace of God, this means you and me.

● The SOWER is the One who plants His Word in our hearts, souls and minds.

1. Almighty God, Your Word is cast
Like seed into the ground;
Now let the dew of heav'n descend
And righteous fruits abound.

2. Let not the sly satanic foe
This holy seed remove,
But give it root in ev'ry heart
To bring forth fruits of love.

3. Let not the world's deceitful cares
The rising plant destroy,
But let it yield a hundredfold
The fruits of peace and joy.

4. So when the precious seed is sown,
Life-giving grace bestow
That all whose souls the truth receive
Its saving pow'r may know.
(Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #577)

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your divine Word. Thank You for the Law that shows me my sins and my desperate need for Your forgiveness. And thank You for the Gospel that shows me Your great love in sending Jesus to be my Savior. May my life now bear abundant fruit as I live for You. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!