If a farmer desires a crop, he has to plant the seed in the soil. It would be foolish for him to put all the work into preparing the soil only to then sit back and expect wheat to grow without having planted any wheat. If we want faith to sprout and grow, the Word needs to be planted in the ear. It is foolish for us to expect that we or our children or our neighbor will trust in Christ and produce good works if we don’t hear and read and study the faith-giving Word every day. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) Thus the Word of Christ does a two-fold work upon us. It both enables us to hear and having enabled us to hear it creates faith. The Word is the vehicle or means by which the Holy Spirit creates and sustains true faith. That is by God’s appointment. That is how He has willed that the saving work of Christ be apportioned to us. And in His abundant mercy, Christ has commanded that the Gospel be preached to all creation! This seed is not just meant for some. It is meant for all because Christ spilled His Blood for all, He sanctified the waters of Holy Baptism for all, He appointed ministers for all, He instituted the Sacrament of the Altar with the desire that all come and eat of it in true faith. Everywhere the Word of God is faithfully confessed and preached, God is casting the life-giving seed that it might bring forth faith in sinners. But, as the parable of the sower and seed teaches us, there are a lot of obstacles to the Word being able to bring forth the abundant fruit. The devil keeps us away from our Father’s house and convinces fathers not to lead family devotions at home. The cares and concerns of the world endlessly scream for our attention, insisting that we can’t ignore them. The heat of crosses and afflictions and persecution burn like a blast furnace, seeking to whither the sprout of faith that has sprung forth. What are we to do in the face of such opposition? There’s not trick. Pick up the Bible and start reading. Set your alarm and come to church every week that Christ may speak with you. No excuse. It is that simple. Because the Word has the power to overcome all of these things, but only if it is daily planted in your ear. I look forward to seeing you this coming Lord’s Day that Christ may plant the good seed of His life-giving Word in our hearts and bring forth abundant fruit.
Pastor Ulmer