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Matthew 13:20-21
In Matthew 13:20-21, Jesus tells of the seed that falls on, “stony places” (NKJV). This is the person who, as Jesus states, “hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.”
This is an example of hearing the word of the kingdom of heaven, but having no solid foundation in oneself and thus falls when persecution strikes.
Many people believe that putting your faith in Jesus is supposed to prevent anything bad from ever happening for the rest of your life. This is simply not true. Jesus states in John 15:18-20a (NIV), “If the world hates you keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than this master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” This is not intended to be discouraging, but encouraging as the Apostle Peter teaches us in 1 Peter 4:1-2 (HCSB), “Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, equip yourselves also with the same resolve – because the one who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin – in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.” This is the realization and understanding of the word of the kingdom of heaven – that we would no longer live our lives for the desires of the flesh/secular world, but that in realizing and understanding the word of the kingdom of heaven, we would live for God by seeking His will for our lives.
As we study God’s word, He teaches us more and more, and we grow in our relationship with Him. It is no different than hearing of a good book; if we want to find out what the book is about in its entirety, we must open it…and read it!
Dear LORD,
Your word is our textbook to life. We ask that You sow the seed within us that grows a desire to read and study Your word so we can stand in the face of trials and tribulations that are sure to come to all in this world, but with Jesus – He will help us through them. Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.