Hebrews 12:1-9 | Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!
The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but . . . they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature. – Luke 8:14
Behind my family’s home is an alley where several small trees and vines grow next to the electric power lines. Often, the vines sprouting along the ground will climb up the small trees to reach and attach to the power lines. The vines can weigh heavily on the lines and contribute to power outages in the neighborhood. Once a year, before tornado season, my father goes out to cut the vines at the ground, removing their connection to the lines in order to lessen the risk of a power loss.
In the parable of the sower, Jesus warned that our hearts can succumb to destructive forces. Describing the soil where a farmer sowed seeds, Jesus said that some of the seed fell among thorns (Luke 8:7). As the seeds grew, the thorns growing alongside choked fruitful growth. Jesus taught that anxieties, riches, and distracting desires can stifle our spiritual growth and prevent our influence (v. 14).
When we intentionally cultivate our relationship with God and remove whatever else attempts to cling to our heart, we have the power to live and thrive. Staying connected to Him and Scripture helps us root out what strangles our hope. When I’m straying from God, I’m sometimes reminded of what a pastor preached about the Bible: “Either this book (the Scriptures) will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book.”—Peighton Childress
What “thorns” are stifling your growth and need to be surrendered to God and cut off?
Lord, thank You for Your love and grace. Please provide Your spirit of discernment as I walk in faith, and help me to be focused and rooted in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.