Rocky Ground

Explanation of the seed that fell on rocky soil (see Feb 10 devo)

The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

The seed, or word of truth, that we receive from hearing God’s message through the bible has to fall on good soil.  If the soil of our heart is rocky, uncleared, unlevel, and hard in spots, the word we hear won’t last long.

This happens when we hear a great verse and we are encouraged for a moment, but then when we go back to our daily lives where we’ve experienced hurt, abandonment, rejection, and perhaps all sorts of disappointment.  That word we've heard takes no root and the effectiveness of it is gone by nightfall.

We are wise if we clear the ground on which his seed falls.

When people buy a piece of land on which to build a house, they have someone clear it first.  The big rocks are removed, the brush is cleared, and the soil is prepared for the foundation to be laid – one that is level and smooth.

It’s no different with the soil of our hearts.  Ask Jesus to come and clear the way, prepare the soil, and make a place for his word to take root and grow.

The cool thing is that you don’t have to do this yourself.  You don’t have to “afford” someone else to do it, either.  

He does it for free.