Pentecost 6, 2020
Isaiah 55:10-13
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
“Why Bother?”
(Video recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgyNUkY5gAk)
Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
While I was on vacation last week we drove by a corn field that reminded me of my time in Central Illinois. It reminded me of another corn field. A corn field that happened to be located in a flood plain located next to the Sangamon River just outside of Springfield, IL. Every year the farmer planted corn. And as I recall every year the field would flood.
I’d contemplate over and over again why the farmer kept planting in a field that always flooded? Why bother? Why bother planting at all… it just seemed to be a waste of seed; a waste of time; a waste of energy. Could he get crop insurance on a field located in a flood plain? Was the ground so rich that if it did grow once every five years it was still worth it? If it was me…why bother with this field…why waste the time and effort.
Our Gospel lesson talks about planting as well. “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:3-8)
Maybe our reaction to this farmer is “what a waste!” What kind of farmer wastes seed like that? But this seed…is no ordinary seed. This seed is the Word of God. It is the Gospel; the good news about Jesus and the salvation He won for all through His death on the cross.
Our text explains what is happening with this seed. “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:18-23)
Even being told what the seed is and what is taking place with the seed…we still wonder “why bother?” Why bother sharing the Gospel where faith will not grow? Why bother sharing the good news of salvation where faith will be abandoned? Why bother talking to people that refuse to listen? Why bother sharing the love of Christ with those who are filled with hatred and contempt for the Savior? Why bother sharing something that might cause lost friendships, fractured relationships, and torn families? Why bother sharing Jesus…when we will be mocked, scorned, hated, and persecuted? Why bother?
Thanks be to God that He was bothered enough to send a Savior to those who were evil and rejected Him. Thanks be to God that Jesus was bothered enough to die on the cross for poor miserable sinners.
Why bother sharing God’s Word? Our Old Testament Lesson shines light on this question. “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)
Why share God’s Word…regardless of whom we share it with or if we think its fruitless? Because God’s Word accomplishes what God desires and achieves the purpose for which He sent it. God’s Word proclaimed does not come back empty. The Law in God’s Word convicts the sinner and cuts to the heart. The Gospel heals us, strengthens us, and gives us peace and joy.
We share God’s Word out of love and trust in Christ. We proclaim Law and Gospel out of concern and love for our family, friends, and neighbor. And we trust that when God says His Word will not come back empty…that it really won’t come back empty.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ at a time like this when there are questions and doubts, struggles and fears, hatred and revolt, troubles and tempest… we ought not say ‘why bother” but instead double our efforts in sharing the love of Christ Jesus to all people. We need to bother…out of love for Christ and neighbor. And while this sinful world will continue to despise and hate you for sharing the love of Christ we have a joyous and hope filled future with Jesus and all the saints in the resurrection.
You have Pastor Dietrich’s permission. Go out and be a bother to someone by being a brother or sister of Christ to someone and sharing His Word and love.
And as you go out remember these words: “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12) Rejoice! Your sins are forgiven. Amen.
Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.
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