Dear Precious Friends,
On this Wonderful Wednesday we are on Day 8 of Luke for our read a Chapter of Luke a day. What rich teaching as we go through each Chapter of 8 and are reminded each day of His incredible teaching and life.
Again it is impossible to write on the entire chapter and the incredible teaching so we will focus today on the Parable of the Good Soil. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. (Luke 8:15 ESV)
The parable of the sower and the seed is ever popular, and it’s likely you’ve heard it before. After telling the parable, Jesus proceeded to explain it’s meaning to the disciples. It is the last sentence in his explanation that we will focus on today: THE SEED THAT FALLS ON THE GOOD SOIL IS THE SEED THAT BEARS FRUIT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GOSPEL. It is the seed that decides to follow Jesus during thick and thin.
What we learn through is that this seed takes time to bear fruit. This seed “bears fruit with patience”. We don’t like to read this. Aren’t we supposed to die to ourselves and be new creatures right away (Romans 6:6-7)? Doesn’t the Gospel produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24)? The answer to these is “Yes”! But, it takes time.
PATIENCE.....
Often, we want to produce the good fruit in our lives immediately, and we get discouraged when we feel we are falling short. Jesus knows this about us, and in that we must realize that we don’t have to fake perfection for those around us. In fact, lack of honesty and humility in our journey can lead to sinful pride that separates us from God. How much better is it for us to be honest in our journey, and realize that with patience we will bear all the fruit that accompanies the Gospel.
As followers of Jesus, we all have different struggles and vices. Some we can overcome right away, while others may take years or even a lifetime. Be encouraged today that Jesus doesn’t expect us to bear all your fruit in one day, but take it day by day, as we put your faith in Him.
Be grateful today for God’s patience towards you. Pray that you may continue to grow, and to bear fruit.
I love the reminder of transparency. It is so important in our walk with the Lord. May we all go out to share and grow the fruit He gives us.
AMEN!!!!
Source: Holy Spirit, God's Word, Short Devotional
