Sowing Good SeedBy Rev. Roger Sparks, PastorLuverne Christian Reformed ChurchSince this is my first column for the Star Herald, let me introduce myself. I am the new pastor of the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne. My family and I moved to the community late last May and I began my pastoral duties in June. Previously I served congregations in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada and in Rock Valley, Iowa. My wife and I have four children, three of whom are still at home. We’ve enjoyed getting acquainted with the Luverne community, and we look forward to working among you. During my recent transition to Luverne, I paused to reflect on what a pastor is supposed to do. I have to agree with whoever said that a pastor’s task is to afflict the comfortable, and to comfort the afflicted. Yes, to those who are comfortable with lives of sin we announce, with Jesus, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." And to those who are weary and burdened and broken, we proclaim Christ’s comforting invitation, "Come unto Me and rest." Does everyone want to hear these truths which afflict and comfort? No. Jesus said as much when he compared preaching to the broadcast method of sowing seed. Some seed falls on hardpan dirt, where birds can easily eat it. Some seed sprouts in shallow dirt, where it withers under the summer sun. Some seed gets choked by weeds. But when the good seed falls on fertile soil, it grows and bears fruit. Which means that it changes lives and prepares us for eternity.So as a pastor I’m a bit like a farmer. Whenever I preach or teach the Gospel, I sow good seed. And like a farmer, I watch and wait to see what God will do with the seed. For in the end, it’s God who works, using His truth both to afflict the comfortable and to comfort the afflicted.