Gospel of Matthew, Day 24 of 58, January 26
Reading
Matthew 13:1-17
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013%3A1-17&version=NIV
Scripture
4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
Observation
Birds ate it = Picked on by the Evil One. Falling into temptation.
Rocky soil = A shallow faith that withers when tough times come.
Thorns nearby = Promising person stoops to the level of bad company around them.
On good soil = nurtured by others, nurtured by practices that promote depth in faith, and entering into a Christian community that provides sanctuary from the Evil One.
Application
How can I grow my faith deeper? Could it be that community is essential to a deeper faith? I feel that we are better able to handle adversity when our faith practices involve community and relationships.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to grow my roots. Help me mind my way into a community of faith where I may find sanctuary from predators; deeper soil; and friends who won’t suffocate my faith. In your Holy Name I pray. Amen.