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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: REED / READ (02/23/23)
Called to Be Strong Through Christ, Not Reedy

In my reading and study of the two homophones reed and read, I encountered several definitions for the term reed in particular. One definition of reed stood out to me the most. This definition from Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary states that a reed is, “ a person or thing too weak to rely on: one easily swayed or overcome.” Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary also gave some examples of synonyms for the term reed. The term reed is synonymous with the adjectives: “door mat, pushover, and weakling.” Therefore, the opposite of a reedy person would be a reliable, strong, faith filled and faithful person. I am so glad that our savior, Jesus Christ is not a reedy person. He is forever faithful and always a reliable source for all Christian believers. For, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” (Philippians 4:13). Christ's strength is evident throughout the reading of the New Testament. He exemplified this strength when he died on a cross to save all humanity. Christ is no pushover and is not easily swayed. This is furthermore, evident when Jesus was tempted by the devil after being in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights, fasting without food. The devil tempted Jesus three times and with each temptation, Jesus responded with the word of God. After Jesus' responses, the devil saw that there was nothing he could do to get Jesus to follow him, instead of God. Jesus was not reedy. He was not easily swayed, not even by the devil's second temptation in which, “the devil said unto him All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me: and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore will worship me all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve,” (Luke 4:1-8).

The Bible gives us some clear examples of reedy people, (those who you cannot rely on and those who are weak in faith). The parable of the sower, in Matthew chapter 13 verses 18-23, gives three examples of reedy believers. Likewise, the parable of the great supper and those who were bidden in Luke chapter 14, verses 16-24, describes three reedy individuals who were bidden to dine with a certain man at a great supper. Those who were bidden to the supper, each one by one, made up an excuse as to why they could not attend the supper. They put other things in their lives before their invitation. They were reedy and unreliable. The man couldn't depend on them to show up. How many of us Christians put things before our service to Christ our God? How many of us put our careers or our families ahead of our relationship with God, our Father? God must have first priority in our lives. Jesus said, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple,” (Luke 14:26). We must hate our old sinful lives, and the sinful lives of our family members. We must hate our flesh and choose to walk in the spirit and the not the flesh. The Bible says in Matthew 26:41: “For the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” We must deny ourselves. “And he said to them all, If any man will deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world or lose himself or be cast away,” (Luke 9: 23-25). “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all, that he hath, he cannot be my disciple,” (Luke 14:33). The rich ruler in Luke chapter 18, verses 18-30, is a perfect example of a reedy or faithless person who trusted more in his riches, than in the power of God to sustain him, if he gave up all to follow Christ.

In conclusion, we don't want to be reedy weak Christians. We want to be strong in faith, walking daily in the Spirit, daily denying our flesh and sinful nature.
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This article has been read 295 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jennifer Percell
03/02/23
This usage of reed is new to me. It makes sense, just unfamiliar. Good job giving us a different perspective.
Barbara Culler 
03/05/23
I have just learned about this version of reed. Fascinating!
Gloria Pierre Dean
03/07/23
Yes, let's not be reedy week Christians!
Good Biblical advice~~~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/07/23
You did a great job of writing on a fresh take of reed. You used read in the article too, so you did a nice job of writing on topic. You need to break the article down into smaller paragraphs. You quoted a lot of verses, but it might be better to focus on just one or two so not to overwhelm the reader. Another thing I noticed is how often you used the word reed or reedy. You gave us synonyms; I'd have loved to see you use those in the article. You make some great points and have a clear, Christian message.