Matthew 13: 18-23 (Friday, July 27, 2007)

If you have ever been in one of those mega revivals where there are great emotional preachers, you will understand clearly what Jesus is saying in this parable. One thing characteristic of those events is an “altar call” where people are invited to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. After a very passionate message from the preacher, many people come forward and acknowledge the acceptance of Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. This people who come forward with very good intentions and believe that they have a conversion experience, most often find themselves backsliding few days later. William James in his classic, “The Varieties of Religious experience” chronicles these experiences of conversion. This experience of conversion in a revival reflects the three characteristics of those who receive the Word of God in Jesus’ parable of the sower:

· The seed that falls on the path
· The seed sown on rocky grounds
· The seed sown among thorns

One thing common among these three is that the seed does not have firm roots. The soul that just received conversion at the revival needs to let the Word of God truly take root in his or heart, lest, the person backslides. Conversion is not a one time experience but it is an ongoing experience. It is important that we do not underestimate the power of the devil. We have to constantly reflecting and living the Word of God in our lives. It is in this way that it will truly bear fruit. The only way we can access how rooted the Word of God is in your life is by your actions, the fruits of God’s Word.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ we come before you asking that you give us a deeper understanding of your Word. Help us in our daily lives to live out this Word in ways that other people will come to know that you are truly the Lord and Savior. When temptations come, give us the graces we need to withstand them, so that we will continue to be faithful to you all the days of our lives.