February 4, 2024 - Sexagesima Sermon

Old Testament: Isaiah 55:10–13
Psalm: Psalm 84; antiphon: v. 4
Epistle: Hebrews 4:9–13
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 11:19—12:9
Gospel: Luke 8:4–15
Introit: Psalm 44:1–2, 7–8; antiphon: vv. 23, 25a, 26a
Gradual: Psalm 83:18, 13
Tract: Psalm 60:1–2, 5

Scripture Alone
 
The Sower sows the seed of His Word (Luke 8:4–15). This Word is living and powerful (Heb. 4:9–13) to conceive new life in those who hear it. But the planting of Christ is attacked by the devil, the world, and the flesh. Satan snatches the Word away from hard hearts. The riches and pleasures of this life choke off faith. Shallow and emotional belief withers in time of temptation and trouble. But see how Christ bears this attack for us! Christ’s cross was planted in the hard and rocky soil of Golgotha. A crown of thorns was placed upon His head. Satan and His demons hellishly hounded and devoured Him. Yet, through His dying and rising again, He destroyed these enemies of ours. Jesus is Himself the Seed which fell to the ground and died in order that it might sprout forth to new life and produce much grain. In Him, the weak are strong (2 Cor. 11:19–12:9). He is the Word of the Father which does not return void (Is. 55:10–13) but yields a harvest hundredfold.