“Other seed fell on rock, and when it came up, it withered because it had no moisture. Other seed fell among the thorns, and they grew up with it and choked it.” —Luke 8:6–7
What makes an oak tree able to survive a serious drought? Roots that reach down deep to the moisture! Such is the life of the Christian who has roots that go deep. One purpose of trials and tests is to strengthen our roots so that we may increasingly demonstrate and prove the reality of our faith. What do we do when trials come our way? Do we bolt and run? Do we wither away and die? Is our allegiance to the Lord only in place when times are good? Much of life is made up of things that are hard—that fact is even acknowledged in scripture!
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world.” —John 16:33
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” —Ephesians 3:14–19
Jesus tells us to expect troubles and difficulties, but to be brave because we serve the Victor! We are on the winning team! Christ is looking for disciples who will stand in the heat of adversity and flourish within it. James puts it this way:
“My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.” — James 1:2–4
I don’t know about you, but I want to be perfect and complete and not deficient in anything!
In our verses for today, the Word was given and received with joy. As life progressed, and it always does, trials caused the plants to wither. Our roots must go down deep into the Living Water in order for us to withstand the hardships of life.
Jesus gives the meaning of the verses for today to His disciples later in this same chapter of Luke:
“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 a time of testing fall away. As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the worries and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.” —Luke 8:13–14
Those described here are people who go about their daily affairs of life without giving heed to the Giver of it. This passage is a lesson on lordship. Jesus is looking for wholehearted devotion. What are the “worries” in your life? Riches? Job security? Fame? Popularity? Beauty? Companionship? Your spouse (or the desire for one)? Friends? Children? Knowledge? The list is endless! The secret is to identify what is on the throne of our lives. Anything but Christ and we will be weighed on the scales and found wanting.
“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” —2 Chronicles 16:9
Become More
We may be interested in the message of Jesus but refuse to accept it because of our devotion to whatever is in the world that draws our affections. Life’s worries, riches, and enjoyments often are most important to us, blocking out the truth, preventing us from reaching maturity, or attaining God’s intended goal for our lives.
It takes more than emotions and enthusiasm to stand with Christ during difficult times—we need to be rooted and grounded in His Word!
Further Reflection
“This brings you great joy, although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold—gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away—and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” —1 Peter 1:6–7