A few Sundays ago, the gospel and sermon was on the type of soil that seeds may fall
on, and how they may grow. As I shared in last month’s Grapevine, I grew up on the
farm. I also noticed that a number of our members raised their hands when asked who
grew up on a farm. So this gospel always resonates with me. Placing it in proper
context, we are asked what kind of soil are we? Matthew 13:23 provides much
guidance, “But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word
and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in
another sixty, and another thirty”.

Last month, because of the summer heat, it was pointed out that the heat symbolizes
both physical and spiritual conditions of individuals and nations. But it also symbolizes
much more in other Bible passages.

Summer heat can also symbolize divine judgment. In Jeremiah 17:8, the contrast
between the righteous and the wicked is illustrated: "He will be like a tree planted by the
waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes,
and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it
cease to produce fruit." The heat represents the judgment and challenges that come
upon the earth, yet the righteous remain steadfast and fruitful. One summer we had a
major hailstorm at the farm and it was too late to replant. My dad and I went to town and
put on new roofs for several houses that had the hail damage. We needed the funds,
but I know we made a number of people happy, particularly those not having insurance,
because I know that my dad did not charge as much as regular roofers.

Despite the challenges associated with summer heat, the Bible also assures believers
of God's provision and protection. Psalm 121:6 promises, "The sun will not strike you by
day, nor the moon by night." This verse reassures the faithful of God's constant
protection against the harsh elements, both physical and spiritual.

The cyclical nature of seasons, including the heat of summer, is a testament to God's
sovereignty and order in creation. Genesis 8:22 declares, "As long as the earth
endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall
never cease." This verse underscores the reliability of God's creation and His control
over the natural world.

As we consider the change of seasons and particularly our summer season, the
question remains “what kind of soil are we?”

Your Friend In Christ,
Larry Moehnke, Council President