Today's reading includes two separate stories but in my mind, one common theme. Hope.
It may be true that "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit." Luke 6:43
However, I immediately wonder why is the tree bad? What caused its leaves to shrivel and weakened its branches? If it were attended to, pruned, given the proper fertilizer, water and sunshine could it not recover? Could it not one day become the most beautiful and fruit bearing tree in the orchard? God's word is that nourishment for us.
Likewise, "The one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete. Luke 6: 49 As this man's life is in chaos due to the storm and his poorly established shelter, those who build on a firm foundation stand strong. There is hope for the broken man however when those who live in the knowledge of the word walk along side him and show him how to build on the proper foundation, on THE ROCK.
Jesus uses this analogy to warn us against building our lives on a foundation that isn't rock solid. Will our current belief system stand up to the test of life? Jesus promised that those who ground their lives upon a relationship with him and in line with his words will be able to withstand any storm.
Today's children are tomorrow's hope. Helping them know and understand the value of God's Word is essential. It is our mission to help our young people learn what the firm foundation of God really means.
Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it."
For this reason I conclude with a children's song. A great lead into discussion about the strength and promise the Lord brings to each one of us when we know and trust in Him.
Watch and listen to: THE WISE MAN
Read/Listen to: Luke 6:43-49
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