Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22
Luke 8:4-21
Psalm 69:19-36
Proverbs 12:2-3
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CityLight Pastor Commentary:
“Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture” (Luke 8:6). In today’s text, Jesus tells His disciples the Parable of the Sower. He explains that the “…ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away” (Lk 8:13). Jesus is describing Christians who hear the Gospel message and enthusiastically accept Jesus Christ right away; but when the going gets rough and enduring faith is required, they fall away. Notice the necessary condition to growing good roots as explained by Jesus in v 6: moisture. In Scripture, water is used to represent the Holy Spirit. When many Christians first accept Jesus (‘get saved’), they do it in a ‘moist’ atmosphere: full of God’s Presence. All too often, we lose the initial excitement of that experience, and our faith dries up. The remedy is renewed intimacy with God. As individuals, we need to remain in close contact with God by praying with His Holy Spirit. As churches, we need to foster a value and respect for God’s Presence in corporate worship by allowing the Holy Spirit to work among us. Stay thirsty, church!
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your Holy Spirit! I want to be consumed by Your Presence, saturated with Your Holy Spirit, and more intimate with You than I have ever been. I know I have those things when I ask for them in Jesus’ Name!