A brief video clip showed a small group of people who received a Bible.  This group had never had the privilege of seeing a Bible, much less to touch, read or to actually own one.  The people were adults living in a country where Bibles are restricted.  They hugged the Bibles, kissed them, cried, smiled and were truly grateful.

There are other places where Bibles are taken for granted.  They sit on shelves collecting dust.  They are not read, looked at or appreciated.  Some people own numerous copies yet never take the time to read them.

It’s the same way with churches.  There are people in remote areas who would be overjoyed to attend church just once.  Other places have church opportunities available at all times yet the pews sit empty.  Nobody invites anybody to attend so the love of Jesus Christ is not spread to others.  People who have the greatest opportunities to tell others the good news sit silent.  Nobody even thinks that their next door neighbor may not have heard the good news.  Apathy and pride are tools of the devil.  People either don’t care because other things are more important or they are afraid of what others might think.

To spread the good news of Jesus Christ through words or deeds that direct others to Christ is the greatest mission.  How people accept or reject the news is God’s business with them.  Their response is not to be taken personally.  Jesus is the reason for all praise not the messenger.  Jesus also takes care of all the consequences and rewards of obedience.  Jesus saves.  Let the world rejoice.

Luke 8:11-15

This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.