Today's Reading: 2 Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13
Scripture: Matthew 13:5-6, 20-21
5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root...
20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.
Observation: "No root." That is how Jesus described the problem of this soil. That phrase intrigues me. What does it mean to have "no root" or to be "unrooted"? Well, the opposite, the word rooted, is defined as "having been established so solidly or strongly as to make dislodgment or change extremely difficult" and has the following synonyms: "entrenched, embedded, fixed, ingrained, lodged, founded, grounded, implanted, confirmed, defined, established, settled, and strengthened." So "no root" would be the opposite of all these things. It would be characterized by a lack of solidness, substance, and stability. A person with "no root" is also "shallow" or lacking depth.
Application: There are many applications of this particular observation.
First, the fact that this person has instant positive response but no long term fruit is a lesson to not get too excited about the first response. It is important to follow up with those who respond to assist them to grow. If subsequent growth is stunted or withering occurs, perhaps we can help this person identify the "root problem" (pun intended) and do a little cultivating of the soil of their character, assisting them in getting some of the rocks out and building a little depth into their lives.
Second, we all should do a little self-examination to see how we follow through on the truth we receive. (Maybe all of us have room for improvement on this one.) Ask, "Do I really make new truth a part of my life long-term?" I think that I can probably benefit from some rock removal of my own. How about you?
There's more here but this is supposed to be a devotional and not a book. So I'll end in prayer.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be firmly established in You. I want to be rooted and grounded and deep. And I want to lead those within my sphere of influence into the same. Help us to identify and remove the rocks out of our lives. Lord, speak to us about that right now. And give us courage and determination to get them out. May we make room for You to set deep roots that will support lasting, beautiful, fruitful growth.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
2 comments:
As I was reading this scripture I kept thinking of the word "character," because a person with character is a well rooted individual who stands for what he/she believes. Therfore, being a Christian is standing firm (well-rooted) on what we believe and being ready to demonstrate our beliefs with actions (fruits).
CM
Thanks, Carl, for that insight. Character is the bottom line. True Godly character means that you are the same all the way through. Not like fake furniture with a thin veneer of real wood on the surface and particle board underneath. The well-rooted individual has great character that is consistent day in and day out. They just don't look good, they are good. (Not perfect, but authentic.)
By the way, I am grateful for your frequent participation in leaving comments. It encourages me to read your words. Thanks, Carl.
Pastor Mike
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