Word@Work Luke121 - Luke 8:13
Published: Wed, 06/09/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
SHALLOW SOIL
Luke 8:13 Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. (NIV)
Scatter seed on rocky ground, allow the rain and sun to do their work and just watch the little plants burst into life. But for how long? Without a depth of soil, water will not be retained; the roots will not find enough resources to support the plant against the heat of the day, the cold nights or the storms. The climatic testing will be too much for the little thing; and the promising start will be shamed as the plant withers away.
Jesus said that some of His hearers would be like that: quick to respond, but unprepared for the gospel which will demand more than their initial enthusiasm. Without removing the obstacles to Christ's life developing within them, their faith would dry up. Jesus chose twelve disciples to be His apostles (although Judas Iscariot fell away, demonstrating the shallowness of those who love to hold onto their old way of life). They needed a three year apprenticeship to learn how to minister effectively. Part of that training was not to presume the spiritual depth of new converts in the Early Church: because every new believer needs to be discipled.
Shallow faith may look deep when copying others in church. The real test comes when believers are isolated in the workplace or persecuted in the community. The spiritually-healthy will thrive in such circumstances because they have removed the obstacles to spiritual growth (the 'rocks' of the old sinful life). Their spiritual roots are firmly anchored in Jesus and God's Word. But those who thought they could stand firm because of their enthusiasm, fall away. Stay shallow and your spiritual life will shrivel! Retain the rocks and your roots will rot! Please pray, that as Word@Work is sent to over 29,000 subscribers today, these people all over the world will want to read, deepen their faith and grow strong to keep standing for Jesus when life gets tough.
Prayer: Dear Lord God, my loving Heavenly Father. Thank You that Your Word is attractive to sinners who need a Saviour. But I know that this sinner must remove the barriers which prevent me developing a deep and strong relationship with Jesus. Please forgive me for agreeing to the temptation that 'shallowness is ok'. Please help me to desire a new depth in my spiritual life, and a prayerful passion that my believing brothers and sisters may choose to do the same. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Scatter seed on rocky ground, allow the rain and sun to do their work and just watch the little plants burst into life. But for how long? Without a depth of soil, water will not be retained; the roots will not find enough resources to support the plant against the heat of the day, the cold nights or the storms. The climatic testing will be too much for the little thing; and the promising start will be shamed as the plant withers away.
Jesus said that some of His hearers would be like that: quick to respond, but unprepared for the gospel which will demand more than their initial enthusiasm. Without removing the obstacles to Christ's life developing within them, their faith would dry up. Jesus chose twelve disciples to be His apostles (although Judas Iscariot fell away, demonstrating the shallowness of those who love to hold onto their old way of life). They needed a three year apprenticeship to learn how to minister effectively. Part of that training was not to presume the spiritual depth of new converts in the Early Church: because every new believer needs to be discipled.
Shallow faith may look deep when copying others in church. The real test comes when believers are isolated in the workplace or persecuted in the community. The spiritually-healthy will thrive in such circumstances because they have removed the obstacles to spiritual growth (the 'rocks' of the old sinful life). Their spiritual roots are firmly anchored in Jesus and God's Word. But those who thought they could stand firm because of their enthusiasm, fall away. Stay shallow and your spiritual life will shrivel! Retain the rocks and your roots will rot! Please pray, that as Word@Work is sent to over 29,000 subscribers today, these people all over the world will want to read, deepen their faith and grow strong to keep standing for Jesus when life gets tough.
Prayer: Dear Lord God, my loving Heavenly Father. Thank You that Your Word is attractive to sinners who need a Saviour. But I know that this sinner must remove the barriers which prevent me developing a deep and strong relationship with Jesus. Please forgive me for agreeing to the temptation that 'shallowness is ok'. Please help me to desire a new depth in my spiritual life, and a prayerful passion that my believing brothers and sisters may choose to do the same. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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