Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.
Luke 8:13
So far in our exploration of the parable of the sower, we’ve examined the sower and the seed. Yesterday, we began looking at the different types of soil. The first type we explored was the wayside, where the devil strives to prevent God’s word from ever taking root. When he loses that battle, he turns to another strategy: affliction.
The second type of soil is a thin layer over a limestone shelf. It offers enough moisture for early growth, especially when spring rains keep the soil moist. However, the searing summer heat arrives quickly. The plant sprouts green leaves, but its roots haven’t reached the deeper moisture. The rock stops its growth, and it withers rapidly.
This rocky soil represents people with surface-level enthusiasm but hardened hearts. They believe for a while, but in times of testing, they fall away.
(The word “testing” in Greek is peirasmos meaning: “test”, “trial” or “temptation”, enticement to sin. In the gospels of Matthew and Mark, a pair of words describe these trials. In Greek, “thlipsis” figuratively means, “oppression, affliction, tribulation”, which refers to distress from external circumstances, while “diogmos” signifies “persecution” solely for religious reasons.)
Jesus describes people who make a superficial commitment. When things get tough (“push comes to shove,” as the saying goes), they abandon their faith. This could be due to temptation to return to sin, job loss, a spouse leaving, or persecution for their religion. When the “heat” is on, these surface Christians wither.
The Christian walk is not a walk in the park. Christianity itself is a declaration of war against the forces of darkness, and they will fight back. Daily choices for Christ anger the devil. He gets even more furious when we try to bring others to the kingdom. It’s bad business for him, and he won’t take it lightly. Therefore, it’s important to understand that the devil’s attacks aren’t about the immediate target. He has a deeper goal. When he attacks your finances, he doesn’t need your money; he wants to cause pain and show your supposed helplessness before God. In such moments, will you bow to him, or will you be able to say, ‘…a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions’ (Luke 12:15)?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to hear your Word. But help me also to withstand the devil’s attempts to snatch it away. May I become wise to his schemes and stand against his activity. Let your living Word take root within me and grow to bear fruit!
