Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Pastor's Platform

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In Jesus’ parable of the Sower and the Seed, one seed takes root and sprouts. Soon, however, the weeds surrounding the plant choke it. The plant soon dies because it was not mature. The Master Teacher, our Savior, goes on to explain the meaning: an immature faith in God often gets choked to death by “life’s worries, riches, and pleasures.” Luke 8:14

Pastors see this all too often. Among God’s people are they who do not grow tall and strong in faith through the gospel in Word and sacrament.

These plantings of the Lord get so busy and so involved in the worries, riches and pleasures of life they begin to ignore their new life in Christ. Outside interests that often become obsessions finally choke out trust in Christ and love for the Word.

In these last days, the busyness of life seems more and more often to choke out the business of life-to know Jesus Christ. It is frightening for sowers of the seed to watch so many immature plants remain immature and then get choked to death.

What is the solution? God has loved us in Christ so that we no longer live for ourselves but live for him. By daily repentance we root out the weeds that try to take over and smother our saving faith in Jesus. The soil of a repentant heart that hears God’s Word and retains it then produces an abundant crop of spiritual fruit.

Pastor Ferch