What Jesus Did! 'We Don't Share the Message Without Opposition' — Luke 8:11-12

Friday, May 12, 2023

[Jesus began his explanation of the parable,] "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God's word. 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."
— Luke 8:11-12 NLT

Key Thought

As we share the message of Jesus, we need to know that there are all sorts of forces, powers, and people who will seek to destroy, corrupt, and negate that message in the hearts of those who are open to God's Kingdom. Sharing the message of Jesus Christ is far more than sharing our religious opinion; it is spiritual warfare against the evil one and all of his forces. He does not want Jesus' name honored or God's Kingdom to rule in the hearts of men and women. That's why the apostle Paul solicited prayers for his efforts to share the Good News. That's why he was sometimes met with fierce opposition and persecution. More than just the power of closed-minded, hard-hearted, and bigoted people, the powers of hell oppose those who share the message of God's grace in Jesus. Our battle will sometimes not be easy, but we can always be assured that we will ultimately and eternally be victorious!

Today's Prayer

Father, the one true and holy God, may your will be done on earth as completely as it is in heaven. Please guard me as I seek to live and to share your truth with those around me. Protect your servants who share your Good News with others. Please guard the hearts of those who are deciding about the Good News right now. Help them see the radical choice they are facing. Give me great boldness to declare this message clearly and courageously. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 6:10-12
  • Colossians 1:11-13
  • Acts 14:19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Don't Let These Truths Elude You!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower, I love to tell stories from everyday life and connect them to heavenly truths. There is a reason for that. You can remember stories..."
1 + 1 = Many
Article by Bill Denton
How much does one conversion actually mean? One soul makes a huge difference in the world and we must not slack up in the work of making disciples.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 8:11-12 NLT — 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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, May 12, 2023

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'For All People'
"Dear Precious Believer, You were saved by grace when you fully trusted Me and participated in what I did to save you. This truth was the message that..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Psalms 103:2
"It is a delightful and profitable occupation to mark the hand of God in the lives of ancient saints, and to observe his goodness in delivering them,....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Displaying God's Wisdom in Heavenly Realms'
"God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Fruit of the Spirit' (Ga. 5:22-26)
"Dear Father, grower of spiritual fruit, Let the fruit of the Spirit blossom, mature, and ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!