Friends in Christ Weekly Message
July 12, 2014

     What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road, and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled by the weeds. Some fell on good earth, and produced a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.
Matthew 13:3b-8 (Message*)

I believe this parable is intended to be an encouragement to those of us seeking to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Often we get discouraged when our work seems not to be bearing fruit, at least fruit that lasts.

Jesus is explaining the reality of the work. There will be many disappointments. We must learn to expect that. But in the end, if we are faithful, some of the seeds we sow will prove very fruitful.

Our job is not to get distracted because some seeds will never grow up to be mature plants. It is to be faithful regardless of whether we are seeing good results or not, trusting that our work will not be in vain. We will not always see the fruit, but God will use our faithfulness to good ends.

Bill Samuel

* The Message version © by Eugene H. Peterson.

Go to previous message

Chronological list of messages List of messages by scriptural references

Go to next message

Friends in Christ
11445 Neelsville Church Road
Germantown, MD 20876-4145
E-mail fic@friendsinchrist.net

Home  Weekly Message  Bible Study groups  Site Map
Values  Who We Are  What People Say About Us
Open Worship  Using the Bible Silence
Jesus Prayer  St. Patrick's Breastplate
Contact Us  Support Us

	Web www.friendsinchrist.net