"Planted and Growing"
Sep. 2, 2019
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
~ Psalm 1:2-3 (ESV)
Gloves, trowel, mulch, seedlings, and seeds—all the necessary supplies are assembled and close at hand. Gardening may be an enjoyable and relaxing hobby, but often it is a lot of work. The newly planted seeds and seedlings enjoy, literally, the fruit of the gardener's labors. In the same way, through no effort on our part, we who are called blessed by the psalmist, we who delight in the law—the teachings-of the LORD, find ourselves planted like healthy, fruit-bearing trees that thrive beside a stream.
In this sacred planting, our Heavenly Father is the gardener, "the vinedresser" (John 15:1b). In Baptism He carefully placed us, rooting us deeply in Christ our Savior. The Word of the Gospel is the powerful, implanted seed that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, gave us new life. The Word is also the living soil in which we grow and thrive. Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31b-32). Through the witness of the Word, we know the truth about our Lord Jesus, who is Himself the truth and who suffered, died, and rose from death to set us free from sin and death. By God's grace, through faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven, and we receive the gift of eternal life. Through the witness of the Word we know that we thrive and bear fruit only when we are joined to Jesus, the true Vine, our Source of life. Our living faith is nourished as we hear and read His Word and receive His body and blood in His Holy Supper.
Blessed by the Lord and empowered by His Spirit as by a life-giving stream, we no longer seek to stand with sinners or keep company with those who scoff and deny our Savior. Planted and growing in Christ Jesus, we remain rooted in the Word and prosper in bearing the fruit of faith, the fruit of humble acts of love and service that glorify our Heavenly Father. With the psalmist we exclaim in grateful praise, "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day" (Psalm 119:97).
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, how we love Your Word! Through that life-giving Word, draw us ever closer to You so that we might grow in faith and bear the fruit of love that will glorify our Heavenly Father. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- What do you "work" at as a recreational pursuit (hobby) that's demanding, but that you find truly satisfying?
- Can you say that you actually "delight" in the Lord's law, His instruction?
- How can we amp up our study of God's Word so that its truth becomes more a part of our waking lives?
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
What do you "work" at as a recreational pursuit (hobby) that's demanding, but that you find truly satisfying?
No comments:
Post a Comment