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…from Worship at Good Sam on July 13, 2014 
First Reading: Isaiah 55:10–13 (Click to go directly to the NIV Bible Text) God’s word to Israel’s exiles is as sure and effective as never-failing precipitation. Their return to the Holy Land in a new exodus is cheered on by singing mountains and by trees that clap their hands.
Second Reading: Romans 8:1–11 There is no condemnation for those who live in Christ. God sent Christ to accomplish what the law was unable to do: condemn sin and free us from its slavery. The Spirit now empowers proper actions and values in our lives and gives us the promise of resurrected life.
Gospel: Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23 In Matthew’s gospel, both Jesus and his disciples “sow the seed” of God’s word by proclaiming the good news that “the kingdom of heaven is near.” Now, in a memorable parable, Jesus explains why this good news produces different results in those who hear.
In the parable of the sower the seed is faithfully scattered, far and wide. The life of the seed fares differently in the variety of soils on which it falls. The implication is that
those who are receptive to the seed of the Word will have it multiply blessings in them as it produces fruit even one hundred fold. What the parable doesn’t tell us is that we have much influcence over the receptiveness of our hearts, and that even when our hearts are hard, the persistent work of the rains from heaven can soften and make rich soil in even the most stubborn heart. “Open us, O Lord, to receive your Word that we too my produce the fruit of the kingdom.”
Message from Good Sam on July 13, 2014 “O Lord, Let Your Waters Rain on Me”