-
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
Archives
Categories
Power of Choice 3 (Part 3) using the Parable of Soils
Written by on December 18, 2013
Continuing on the study of the Parable of Soils, we have covered the following areas:
- Posting 1: We covered the background in the parable and the purpose of a parable.
- Posting 2: We covered why the Parable of Soils needed to be understood first, who are the sower and scattering of seed, and lastly the first soil
I could not believe how something as simple as this parable would take a life of its own. I also take my hat off to all the other bloggers out there. Placing one’s thoughts in a coherent and concise document is very difficult, well at least for me. So on to the second soil.
Stony Ground
In Mark 4:16-17 describes the second soil,
16 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble.
It is possible for plants to grow in a rocky environment, but it is very difficult. A plant’s root system serves to guarantee its exisence. Without roots, no plant could survive. One of the roots’ functions is to anchor, and take in nutrients. As an anchor, the root provides stability and a firm base for the entire structure. For example, the root system of a tree, which is primarily hidden underground, can be as extensive and broad as the crown of the tree, and its longest roots may reach as deep in the earth as the tree is tall.
The other purpose of the roots is to take up water and minerals from the soil; thereby, synthesizing food to the plant. In order to take up water and minerals, the roots penetrate into the soil, seeking the best conditions. In Luke‘s account, Jesus said that plants withered because they had no moisture (Luke 8:6), because the roots could not absorb it.
Rooted in Christ
The ground represents the heart of people, who are at first excited to hear the Word of God; but, when trials and tribulations come, they cannot hold on to the Word. I liken it to one who has received the Word, but don’t do the extras to allow the Word get firmly rooted in their hearts (i.e study the Word, meditation of the word). It may be possible that they were never taught, that Christianity also means that we may be persecuted for our beliefs, or that Satan will continually to separate us from God.
I remember hearing stories from other saints about when they first heard the Gospel and accepted Jesus into their hearts. They in their words “were on fire for God”. They were quick to obey the Word, enthusiastic for Christ. Soon many say, they discovered that there was more to this walk with God, than just the emotionalism.
Jeremiah used the following analogy in the Old Testament, which compares the faith-filled person with a strong, flourishing tree: (Jeremiah 17:7-8) “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.”
Paul urges the the members of the church at Colossae to root themselves in Christ. In his choice of words Paul used the same Greek verb for “to be rooted” that by Jesus in the parables. In Colossians 2:6-7, Paul says, “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”
Application to Our Lives
Consider the cost of being a follower of Christ. One of the most effective ways we can be rooted in Christ is to immerse ourselves in his word. You are striking your roots deeper and deeper into good life-giving soil and drinking from the living waters: “Happy the man who… delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night. He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, whose leaves never fade” (Psalm 1:1, 2-3).
Referring back to Jeremiah 17:7-8, we want to be the Christian who has intentionally chose to develop a intimate relationship with God. We want to be like Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus (Luke 10:39) and a student of Christ (2 Timothy 2:15). By following the roadmap laid out in the Scriptures, we can learn to draw constantly from the Lord, no matter what comes against us. We can make it through the troubles, trials, persecution, and testing.
This section of the parable challenges us to examine our own lives, our relationship with the Lord, our responsiveness to Him. Do I produce healthy growth through abiding in Jesus, or is my spiritual life withering because I am not rooted in Him?