In Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, the second soil that received the seed was “on rocky places, where it did not have much soil” (Matthew 13:5). This soil was shallow. The result was a quick, but short-lasting germination of the seed: “It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root” (Matthew 13:5-6). Jesus equated this earthly truth with the spiritual: “The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away” (Matthew 13:20-21).

Oftentimes, we try to apply something we learn from the Bible, but when it doesn’t seem to work, or someone mocks us for our effort, we give up. This lack of endurance is a result of no root. We attempt to forgive, to be wise, to serve, or to repent, but it is not rooted in our hearts to do so.

If you have a rocky place in your heart where you are shallow, grow. Allow the Holy Spirit to plow out the rocks and Christ’s seed to take root. Seek God with all your heart (see Jeremiah 29:13). Read a book in the Bible that applies to the area of life where you want to grow. If it is wisdom, read Proverbs; if joy, read Philippians; if obedience, read 1 John. God’s Word will begin to take root in your life and produce the fruit of transformed relationships.

Episode 249: Parable of the Sower from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.