FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

DEVELOPING DEEP ROOTS IN THE WORD.

Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:3-9.

EXPOSITION: The Parable of the Sower identifies various reasons why some  Christians find it very difficult to develop deep roots against storms of life. In the story, Jesus tells of a farmer who sowed seeds on an open field. Some seed falls on the path (wayside) with no soil, some  on rocky ground with little soil, some on soil which contains thorns, and some on good soil. In the first case, the seed is taken away; in the second and third soils, the seed fails to produce a crop; but when  it falls on good soil, it grows and yields much fruits.

Just as living plants need fertile, well-watered, sun-kissed soil, we too  need to make sure we optimize the soil of our hearts for growth. We  need to evaluate our “soil”: Is my heart hardened with an obstinate  or blind streak in hearing His Word and refusing to obey it? Have  I hardened my heart with excuses for not listening? Is my heart so shallow that no deep roots can grow to support His word? Maybe our heart is crowding out the growth of His word with the cares and responsibilities of our life.

Jesus cautions us against all these things that lead to less optimum growth of His word. His desire is for our hearts to be receptive to Him when He speaks to us. Only we can decide how that happens. He will never force the growth.

We have to take the steps to plant His words and carefully tend them. When we do that, the roots strengthen and grow deep in our hearts.

PRAYER GUIDE: Pray that God will cause you to be deeply rooted in

His word. Amen.

MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK: John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”