“A farmer went out to sow his seed. Some of it fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it. Other seed fell in the gravel; it sprouted, but withered because it didn’t have good roots. Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it. Other seed fell in rich earth and produced a bumper crop.”

(Luke 8:5-7, MSG)

I don’t know about you, but I love a good story!  A good story is when the words come to life off the page and paint a vivid picture in my mind.  Jesus was a fantastic storyteller, weaving images from everyday life with kingdom truths.

The Sower and the Seed is one of those short stories that is layered in meaning.  You can read it in Luke 8:4-15.  For some it was a great story of how to sow your seed and the crop that would be harvested.  But, for those who truly heard Jesus’ words and understood the deeper meaning it was about our heart posture.

I believe this is such a great story for the start of a new year.  As we stand at the threshold of a new year that is so much opportunity ahead of us.  As ponder our Star Words, or make new year’s resolutions or intentions, or make our bucket list for 2026… may we also take a moment to think about how God’s Word is taking root in our lives.  What type of soil are we planting in?  Are we cultivating a rich and fertile soil or are we only planting on the surface with no root system?  Are we nurturing the seed (the Word of God) or are we crowding it out with busyness and noise?  Are we fostering growth or are we neglecting it?  The choice is ours!

This Sunday we are back in the Gospel of Luke.  For the next few weeks we will be looking at some of the Short Stories by Jesus.  Parables, an “earthly story with a heavenly meaning,”  that make abstract truths relatable and understandable.  These stories use familiar, everyday situations and characters that prompt us to listen with new ears for a deeper understanding.  I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest. (Luke 8:15, MSG)