DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- STONY GROUND

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – STONY GROUND

"These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 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."  (Mark 4:16-17)

We have all heard and studied the Parable of the Seed.  We know it by heart.  First was the seed which falls by the wayside and Satan picks it up like birds pecking at seeds.  The second part of the parable is seed sown on stony ground, but because it was hard soil, the root system did not develop properly.  Third was the seed that fell among thorns that choke out the plant so it is not fruitful.  Finally is the seed which fell on good soil that yielded a good crop.

As I read this familiar parable again, my heart was arrested by the rocky soil.  There are so many questions.  Why didn't the sower prepare the soil by removing the rocks so it would be ready to receive the seed?  Was the soil hard because it was not properly irrigated?  How can stony and hard hearts receive the seed with joy and gladness?  What might have been done after the seed was planted and it wilted to help the seed grow properly?

It does seem that preparation for the planting of the seed and the discipleship that follows are important aspects of making sure that the seed has the best chance of growing its roots down deep into the soil. Tribulations and persecution are not a matter of "if" but, as in the parable – when.  Taking proactive steps to give the seed the best possible chance of thriving would seem to be a foregone conclusion.  

The Greek word translated "stumble" is  skandalidzo, from which we get the word "scandal."  It is not only a scandal to the Chrisitan who stumbles but to the church when a fellow-believer is tripped up by trials and temptations, and other believers do not come to his aid to lift him up and help his roots grow deep.  May God help us to be intelligent farmers in God's field.    

Love,  Dad