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AN HONEST AND GOOD HEART (II)
FRIDAY, MAY 28
Luke 8:4-15

2 Timothy 3:10-16

 

“…these have no root… and in time

of temptation fall away.”

 

AN HONEST AND GOOD HEART (II)
 
In the second place, an “honest and good heart” is not like the rock. “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away” (Luke 8:13).
 
The description is of those who initially do appear to “receive the word” and that even “with joy” ‒ a very promising beginning! Yet this appearance is in fact deceptive, for these hearers “have no root.” There appears to be an impact of the Word, there appears to be growth ‒ but none of it is actually grounded. The Word of God is not truly rooted in their hearts. It may superficially have been received, but it has not been received “as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in [those] that believe” (1 Thess 2:13). Without this effectual working, there is no resistance to temptation. The “temptation” mentioned here is further described as “affliction or persecution” that arises “for the word’s sake,” whereupon these rootless hearers “are offended” (Mark 4:17).
 
Many, it is to be feared, are like this! They may attend upon the regular services of the church with joy, and sit often under the preaching of God’s Word, but when the time comes that they must face persecution because  of the Word, they will not hold it fast. When some trouble arises, and it may afford them temporary release to relinquish the Word, they will do so. When they find that the gospel is “foolishness” to the world, they will not conclude that “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Cor 1:23- 25) ‒ instead, upon realising that the followers of Him who was “mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on” (Luke 18:32) must suffer the same, they will give up the gospel, and give up the Lord.
 
Christian reader, let it now be settled in your heart: “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim 3:12). “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Tim 3:14).
 
THOUGHT: God’s Word takes root in the heart only when it is received as God’s Word, not man’s.

PRAYER: Father, establish my heart in the truth of Thy Word!

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