SEXAGESIMA – TUESDAY

LESSON: 1 PETER 1:3-9

The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Luke 8:13

This group receive the Word with joy, but they are not persistent. These also form a large number. They hear and accept the Word without sects, factions, or fanatics. They also rejoice in their knowledge of the unimpaired truth, that one is saved without works, through faith, and that they have been freed from the imprisonment of the law, conscience, and the doctrine of men.

When a crisis comes, however, and they have to suffer injury, disgrace, loss of life or property, they fall away and deny the Word. They do not have sufficient root and do not stand deep enough. They resemble the seed on the rock, which grows up quickly and becomes green, so that it is a pleasure to behold and gives good promise, but when the sun shines hotly, it withers away because it lacks moisture.

That is also what these hearers do. In time of persecution, they deny the Word or keep quiet and do, speak, and endure all that their persecutors order them or want them to do. Prior to this, when there was still peace and no heat, they spoke readily, and joyfully confessed the Word so that there was hope that they would bring forth much fruit and be very useful Christians.

These fruits are not works alone but even more the confession, preaching, and spreading of the Word, so that many others are taught, and the kingdom of God is extended.

SL.XI.517,5
AE 76,332-33

PRAYER: Strengthen us in the hour of trial and temptation, O Lord, so that by such chastenings we may always come forth stronger in faith, in and through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.