I have been reflecting on the references to weather in some of the Bible's lessons and stories. On several occasions in the gospels, the disciples encountered bad storms as they traversed the Sea of Galilee. During one of those storms, Peter followed Jesus' command to step out of his boat and walk on the water, albeit for only a short time. During another squall, Jesus was so calm that He fell asleep in His boat while the disciples went into a panic.
SAND
A few weeks ago, we were on vacation at a beach resort, playing in the sand with my granddaughter. As we dug holes and piled up sand, the waves would come and fill and undo what we had done. That made me think of Matthew 7:24-27:
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
It would be foolish to build anything on a sandy foundation, but that is exactly the simile Jesus deployed to describe anyone who hears His words but does not put them into practice.
The main weather-related example I want to highlight, however, is found in Psalm 1. Let's go there now.
DEEP ROOTS
The book of Psalms begins with these words that have to do with weather:
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers (1:1-3).
This simile indicates that people planted firmly in the word of God is not subject to the weather of changing seasons. What's more, they are not just established so they are comfortable and well-watered, they are placed where they are to bear fruit in season, staying green and fresh in their non-bearing days.
SO WHAT?
These aren't just nice stories to encourage us to stay grounded in the Lord. The parable of the sandy foundation and the analogy of the tree planted by water indicate that God wants us to act and bear fruit. Jesus' expects us to hear His words, and those words are found in the Word. Those actions will empower us to bear fruit in a timely manner regardless of the weather or external conditions.
I cannot tell you how many people have told me that they are going to "bear fruit" — however they define fruit — after certain things happen in their lives. Only after the kids are grown or their mortgage is paid off or their job is less stressful or they have a new studio or work area will they then be in a position to do "something." Today's lesson is that if we are properly grounded in the Lord, we will draw sustenance from places others cannot see to bear fruit even if there is a drought, a flood, or a tornado in our lives. We do not decide the season for fruit; that is above our pay grade and can only be decided by God, and He is interested in us bearing fruit all the time.
Are you bearing fruit or is your fruit dependent upon the weather report? Is a threat of a storm enough to shut you down to wait for more favorable conditions? Are your foundation and roots strong and deep enough to be fruitful no matter the other external circumstances in your life? I urge you to stop focusing on the weather but to focus on the Lord of the weather who has proved again and again that He is capable of being your Rock in times of trouble, not just to save you, but to help you fulfill your creative purpose. Have a blessed week.
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