July 11, 2020

Sunday’s Lectionary Reading: 


And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground...and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain…
From Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23


Dear Lake B Family and Friends,

The scripture verses above are from the lectionary readings for Sunday, May 12th. It is the very familiar passage of the Sower and the seeds. Typically, I have read this passage and focused on all the different kinds of soil. But recently, my attention has been drawn to the Sower.

What Sower would sow seeds among thorns or a stony path? Who would knowingly sow where birds would swoop down and devour the seeds? Who would sow seeds in places where there was no chance of flourishing? And while there were seeds that fell on good soil, the nagging question remains, what about those other seeds that were wasted?
 
 Either the Sower was not very good at their job or they knew something about the soil that we do not.
 
Or perhaps the Sower has an abundance — an endless amount of seeds...to WASTE...to sow lavishly in hopes that somehow, someway, even the seeds that fell into bad places would have a chance to sprout even a little bit. 
 
 Maybe, this parable isn’t first about seed or soil. What if it is about the lavish, extravagant nature of God? 
 
Might this be a hint toward the nature of the Economy of God…where grace is sown in such an abundant fashion – and is “wasted” on soil that isn’t even all that productive – or at least that’s what it looks like. That seems so wrong and offensive. And scandalous. And – well, it just seems like grace. 
     
       
Even suggesting that God could be this gracious feels over the top. I feel the need to add more - “Yes, but we have to….” Or “yes, but you should…” Some of you may also be feeling the need to do the same. I will resist that urge and just let this idea sit for today: God lavishly loves us.  

With gratitude for you,

 Pastor Lina