Jacob and Esau. God’s purposes bring to light what’s in the heart.
Jesus speaks of seeds and light:
11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. 12 The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. 13 The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. 14 The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. 15 And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest (Luke 8:11-15, NLT).
Jesus heals a man possessed by a legion of demons, yet the area people beg Jesus to leave out of fear.
40 On the other side of the lake the crowds welcomed Jesus, because they had been waiting for him (Luke 8:40, NLT).
There, a woman reaches out and touches the hem of his garment. A daughter is healed.
The full reading illustrates contrasts–worldly focus against kingdom focus. One son burns with resentment; the disciples are terrified by the storm; a town is fearful of supernatural power–in contrast to seeking God’s will even when everything feels upended; trusting in God’s protection in the storm (and nothing reveals that protection quite like the storm); a crowd welcoming and waiting on an opposite shore.
You can be sure of this:
The Lord set apart the godly for himself.
The Lord will answer when I call to him (Psalm 4:3, NLT).
Lord, thank you for impressing upon me a kingdom focus. Thank you for reminding me again and again to focus on you.
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe (Psalm 4:8, NLT).
Thank you for loving me. You call me yours. You are there when I call to you. You keep me safe.
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 