Word@Work Luke123 - Luke 8:15
Published: Fri, 06/11/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
GOOD RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Luke 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (NIV)
The agricultural parables of Jesus were loaded with economic implications - perhaps that is partly why they gained such an attentive audience. Good seed was expensive; sowing it was literally throwing it away, to be at the mercy of the soil and weather. So it was very important that most of the seed went into fertile ground. The financial return would only come after a good crop had been harvested, having survived attacks by rain, drought, cold and heat; as well as from pests and animals.
Having already stated the reasons for failed crops (Luke 8:11-14), Jesus then described the soil which would produce an abundant harvest. He likened the fertile field to people of 'noble and good heart'. That expression condenses the idea of being "excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its intended purpose". It is refreshing to be reminded that the intended purpose of every human heart is to receive (hear, honour and obey) God's Word. Without His Word we can never satisfy our deepest needs, multiply His blessings to the world or bring glory to God.
But it is not always easy. Jesus speaks of the need to 'persevere' - this word is used to describe people who are not diverted from their essential objectives or loyalty even by the greatest trials and sufferings. The distractions and difficulties of life will come unpredictably, and we need to be ready to withstand them and not be shaken. Receiving the Word must become a regular habit, because we never know when we will need God's courage or wisdom; neither do we know how many problems we will avoid by being regularly obedient to His Word. Then the believer will be equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). So whatever pressures you face, keep receiving God's Word; it is the one part of life which must never be down-graded in the priority list. If we do that, God will certainly receive a good return on all He has invested in us and we will share in His Glory.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You for designing my heart so that I may relate to You and receive the only truth which will shape my life so that I am profitable to You. I am sorry for the many times when I have assumed that I 'know it all' and do not need a regular supply of 'daily bread'; forgive me for the confusion I create for myself and others, and for the sinfulness I inevitably fall into. Please help me to persevere in Your Word so that I am ready to withstand the trials of life and come through stronger and more able to glorify You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
The agricultural parables of Jesus were loaded with economic implications - perhaps that is partly why they gained such an attentive audience. Good seed was expensive; sowing it was literally throwing it away, to be at the mercy of the soil and weather. So it was very important that most of the seed went into fertile ground. The financial return would only come after a good crop had been harvested, having survived attacks by rain, drought, cold and heat; as well as from pests and animals.
Having already stated the reasons for failed crops (Luke 8:11-14), Jesus then described the soil which would produce an abundant harvest. He likened the fertile field to people of 'noble and good heart'. That expression condenses the idea of being "excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its intended purpose". It is refreshing to be reminded that the intended purpose of every human heart is to receive (hear, honour and obey) God's Word. Without His Word we can never satisfy our deepest needs, multiply His blessings to the world or bring glory to God.
But it is not always easy. Jesus speaks of the need to 'persevere' - this word is used to describe people who are not diverted from their essential objectives or loyalty even by the greatest trials and sufferings. The distractions and difficulties of life will come unpredictably, and we need to be ready to withstand them and not be shaken. Receiving the Word must become a regular habit, because we never know when we will need God's courage or wisdom; neither do we know how many problems we will avoid by being regularly obedient to His Word. Then the believer will be equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). So whatever pressures you face, keep receiving God's Word; it is the one part of life which must never be down-graded in the priority list. If we do that, God will certainly receive a good return on all He has invested in us and we will share in His Glory.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You for designing my heart so that I may relate to You and receive the only truth which will shape my life so that I am profitable to You. I am sorry for the many times when I have assumed that I 'know it all' and do not need a regular supply of 'daily bread'; forgive me for the confusion I create for myself and others, and for the sinfulness I inevitably fall into. Please help me to persevere in Your Word so that I am ready to withstand the trials of life and come through stronger and more able to glorify You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
W@WLuke123 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2010 | Provided by BeaconLight | Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group