It has happened to me, has it happened to you? Sitting in the pew listening and very engaged in the sermon, but leave with no heart change. Maybe even a clap or an “amen” may come from your mouth, but the heart stays stale as can be. I understand all the points, agree wholeheartedly, and am very joyful to see the truth proclaimed hoping all those around me are getting it too. Has that happened to you? I have been guilty of that very thing – listening, but not internalizing!
Luke 8 talks about a farmer that is tossing some seed out on various types of soil. The seed that fell on the rock really intrigued me and got me thinking about my own life. This seed that found itself on the rock to grow actually did do just that – it grew. But the scripture goes on to say it withered quickly because it had no roots. Roots are established over time and much of the hard work is never seen by the naked eye. All the pushing and downward growing is hardly ever noticed until we see beautiful fruit or green leaves.
The same is true in our lives. Are we establishing ourselves on rocks? There will be no place for our roots to go deep therefore leaving us dried up to wither away. I have learned over my life that a good sermon even 2 a week or so will not give me well established roots. It is a daily walk with Him. Talking, listening, searching, straining, growing – it is a relationship, not a once a week and certainly not a twice a year thing!
I can guarantee a life that just goes about its own way, rarely consulting the Lord or establishing a relationship with Him that has deep roots will never have the joy that even one with mounds of trouble, but the established roots will live in. Yes, there are many that laugh at my pursuits, make fun of my joys, and are very, very harsh at my convictions. That is OK. I know in whom I am established, the Rock that holds me, and the abundant joy that overflows from within! As my friend Melissa always says, “I am drinking from my saucer…my cup has overflowed!”
3 comments:
This is my first visit to your blog, but I 'found you' through Leah. This post is a gold mine! Thank you for unearthing such precious treasures. The "rocky soil" is definitely a depth issue.
The focus through this entire parable in God's Word is not the sower, or the seed, but the soils. The sower is obedient, the seed, God's Word, is not in question, but the soil is the concern.
Praying God will deepen my roots and through abiding in Him, fruit will grow.
Blessings to you,
Joy
Hi Joy - nice to meet you!! thanks for stopping by and giving further thoughts about this "soil" situation. I appreciate the wisdom!! Can never get enough of that!! thank you again and hope to "see" you again!! love, Leigh
Leigh,
It is kinda like eating. Unless we put the food in our mouths and chew and swallow it, it will not provide us nutrition. And heaven knows I want to taste that yummy food--not have others eat for me. Our faith is the same.
I've got an overflowing cup as well!!
Leah
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