Hispanic Missionary Training Center     

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Reading   Luke 8:1-15;  Psalm 108 

Reflection 

The Parable of the Sower~

Beginning with chapter eight, Jesus uses parables more extensively as a means of teaching. They are easy to remember because they make use of familiar scenes, such as this farmer who sets out to sow his seed. Parables also have a deeper meaning which calls the hearer to ask questions to more fully understand the truth.

        The Parable of the Sower would first call us to consider which type of soil we are, in which the Spirit might plant the seeds of the Word. Of course, each of us would respond that we are "the good soil, that yields a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." Perhaps more honest reflection may lead us to confess that at times "life's worries, riches, and pleasures hinder our maturing." We would do well to pray for grace-given fecundity,that our fruitfulness might exceed what is sown in us.

        The Spirit may also lead us to wonder, as disciples of Jesus who sow the Word of God and the Good News of the Kingdom, WHERE are we sowing? Wouldn't it be most advantageous to the Mission of Jesus, that we always seek "the good soil" or the most fertile soil that will produce the most abundance crop? Wouldn't that enable us to maximize our efforts for the purposes of Jesus?

        If that were our methodology, would any sower choose to invest time with "Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out?" (v.2)  Or, for all that matters, who would invest time sowing the seed with most of the 12 disciples, such unlearned, unlikely candidates for "good soil"? Who would ever have selected Peter, or James, or John, or Matthew, or Andrew?

        So as 21^st Century disciples of Jesus, we go out to "sow the seed of the Word of God, the Good News of the Kingdom." There are two neighboring couples who live near our home. Neither seems to have any sense of their need for Jesus in their lives, infertile folks that they appear to be. Still they are my neighbors, so I am led to pray for them, and continue to welcome each opportunity to invest in the relationships.

        I can't make their hearts fertile soil, that is all about the grace of God and work of His Spirit. I can and will continue to pray daily for them, and do all I can do to befriend them until the Spirit of Jesus accomplishes His purpose in their hearts. The truth is: they do need Jesus, and they do need a Church Family.

Rev. Walt Waiser, Senior Pastor, Peace Lutheran, Hurst, Texas  

Pray  (As you pray include . . . people who don't know Christ; people who will plant & witness; include people who pray.   In addition, pray that the land be quenched with rain and that opportunities to bring God's love to individuals and communities impacted by the wildfires not be missed by God's servants.)  

Benediction

Spirit of Jesus, Create in our hearts a personal feeling of responsibility to invite everyone we know who needs Jesus, to join us and discover more about following Him. AMEN .  

A special prayer request for the presence of the Gospel in those places devastated by the recent weather events as well as in long term recovery locations. 

Lord, give wisdom to your people as they continue to respond to the fears and struggles and needs of those who have lost hope in their lives because of these recent weather events.  Your Word brings hope as nothing else can.  Bless those on site and those who support from a distance confident in Your promise to restore hearts and minds to Your glory alone.  Amen.  

Pray that the members of the Texas District embrace the mission.

Lord, As fears grow concerning local, state, and world events, make Your presence known, through Your church and through Your people in such a way that Your hand of grace would be seen calming hearts and minds ultimately drawing all people to Yourself.  Amen.