The Reckless Sower

Matthew 13.1-9, 18-23

This is a favorite reading of mine.  When I was in college it was the first Scripture reading I had to write a paper on for a college class.  It was the Scripture I chose to have read at my ordination. It is such a lovely story. 

As with most stories in Scripture, there are at least a few good ways to read the story, and probably a few not so good as well.  I’ve done both. 

I’ve read this story from the perspective of the soils.  Seeing myself as a type of soil. 

There are times in my life when I have felt like the soil on the path; walked on, the soil become hard. 

There are times when I have been rather rocky.  With all the rocks inhibiting much growth of anything.

There are times when I have been rather thorn infested, and weeds have choked out attempts for life. 

And there have been times when the soil has been good, and what has been planted has taken root and grown. 

I’d like to think that I am always “good” soil.  I’m not though, and to tell you otherwise would be a lie.  The reality is that I don’t really like to focus much on the soil; or on the type of soil that I am.  What I love about this passage is the image of the sower. 

When I was an intern way back long ago, I decided that I would try my hand at planting a garden.  One of the things I decided I would plant was green beans.  So I read about how to plant green beans.  Prepare the soil.  Plant each side two inches into the ground, and then 3 inches apart.  So I very carefully went outside with my ruler in hand, dug down two inches, put a seed in the ground.  Measured 3 inches, got another seed out, dug down two inches to plant it.  It took forever to plant that garden. 

Notice how this gardener or farmer plants:  A sower went out to sow.  He throws some seed on the path, some on the rocky ground, some among the thorns, and some on the fertile soil.  Why doesn’t he just plant on the good soil?

Because this reading isn’t so much about the soil as it is about the sower.  It’s as if this sower is worried that there is some spot that won’t get some seed on it.  Which I believe then this reading tells me everything I need to know about the mind and the heart of God.  God is never measured; God will stop at nothing; God is not worried about waste even. 

I like this reading for that reason.  But I also like it because it then challenges the church – the people of God – to do the same.  To be exceedingly generous in everything we do. 

As you go through this day watch for examples of how you see this reading played out on the news, on a TV show, or wherever you find yourself today.  Maybe you won’t see it played out in this same way, maybe you will see the direct opposite of it, with careful, precise measuring.  Take note of how you see it. 

Let’s pray:  Almighty God, thank you for planting in us the seed of your word.  By your Holy Spirit, help us to receive it with joy, live according to is, and grow in faith, hope and love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.