Sturdy as an Oak

The Bible verse about needing good, solid soil on which to build or plant is turned on its end as I’m looking at the side of my home, where oak trees have taken root in between the brick paving. These trees are too difficult for me to just pull out on my own: they’re about 2 feet tall, and the roots go deep. However, when I turned to the Bible to study this passage further (in order to write this devotion!), I found that Jesus’ parable is actually quite on the mark when it comes to these trees that are springing up next to my chimney.

Here’s what he says in Matthew 13:

“So listen to the meaning of that story about the farmer.  What is the seed that fell by the road? That seed is like the person who hears the message about the kingdom but does not understand it. The Evil One comes and takes away what was planted in that person’s heart.  And what is the seed that fell on rocky ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and quickly accepts it with joy.  But he does not let the teaching go deep into his life, so he keeps it only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching he accepted, he quickly gives up.  And what is the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching but lets worries about this life and the temptation of wealth stop that teaching from growing. So the teaching does not produce fruit in that person’s life.  But what is the seed that fell on the good ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and understands it. That person grows and produces fruit, sometimes a hundred times more, sometimes sixty times more, and sometimes thirty times more.”

How to be like the seed that falls on solid ground? Stay in God’s word. Talk to God daily. Surround yourself with His people and His Word. Ask God to help you become the person He wants you to be.

Prayer: Lord, surround me with your love and guidance. I want to be like the seed planted on sturdy, solid ground. Help me to stay in Your Word to make that a reality. Amen.

Donna Gustafson   office@eastridge.org