Taking Root

Luke 8:6,11,13
“And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.”

Those depicted in this passage had good seed, they had a warm environment, they had a joyful reception of the word, and they received it eagerly. None of those things were the problem. The problem was depth. They failed because they had no root to endure in the times of temptation and testing.

The thin layer of soil is like a shallow person. They like the good news that Jesus teaches, but they do not take the psalmist’s instruction and meditate on the meaning. When the world tests their faith and their devotion to God, they become like chaff that dries up and blows away in the wind.

We are responsible for listening to Jesus’ words and acting on what we understand. If we do so, we will bear fruit, which is the main point of this parable.

Some practicalities of how to be rooted and grounded in God’s words: Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Meditate on scripture Day and night (Psalm 1:2). Fellowship with other believers.

Colossians 2:6-7 ESV
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so WALK IN HIM, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

How do we walk in Jesus? Believe in Him, trust in Him, obey Him, spread the word of God far and wide. We have some of the best resources to spread the Gospel, phones- talking and texting, email, social media, even writing letters, yes people still do that. Use the resources that God has provided.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, if we lack depth, it is our own doing. We have Your words; we have You living in our hearts. We have Your Holy Spirit prompting us to stay in close proximity to You. Build us up, help us to be rooted and grounded in You. In Your name Lord Jesus we ask, Amen!