Opposition

 Opposition

April 9, 2026

Luke 8:11-15

11 “Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God. 12 Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart,so that they will not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. 14 The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.

This week, we have been considering the word about being dedicated to the Lord. In the parable of the sower, Jesus teaches that opposition comes after the teaching of the Word. The devil is not happy to have us follow the Lord wholeheartedly, so will make every effort to dissuade and distract us. This can come as outright opposition or more subtlety as distractions and worries of life. What is there in you life that keeps you from following the Lord wholeheartedly? 

For those of us who are getting on in life, a common distraction is health. As our bodies slow down, we tend to worry. We get distracted by our aches and pains and forget that we still can serve the Lord. Perhaps we look to our doctors too much and stop trusting in the Lord to sustain and heal us. Or maybe we worry about the world situation instead of praying for our leaders. But whatever the devil brings across your path, know that the Lord has a plan and a purpose for your life and regardless of what difficulties may try to hinder you, it is you duty and privilege to serve the Lord. So hold fast and bear fruit with perseverance. One day the Lord will return, or we will go to be with Him, and all of our troubles will be over. But for today, decide who you will serve and do not get distracted.