Parable of the Sower, Pt 3.
Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 13:5-6; 20-21
Supporting Passages: Mark 8:31-38; Mark 14:66-72; John 21
One of my favorite writers is the late J. Ellsworth Kalas. My understanding of the parable of the Sower expanded when I read his wonderful book Parables from the Backside. The chapter about this parable, titled "Seasons of the Soil," challenges us not to be so rigid in our categorization of soil. As there are seasons in life, so there are seasons in the soil of the soul.
This principle is important to remember as we explore our next two heart conditions. I've struggled the most with seasons of rocky and thorny soils. I imagine a lot of Christians feel the same way. This week, we'll explore the rocky soil. Here is what Jesus has to say about the seed that fell on this ground:
Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn't have deep roots, they died. ... The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. (Matthew 13:5–6; 20–21, NLT)
I call this type of soil the Troubled Heart. And I believe the Troubled Heart has an incomplete view of God's kingdom. They see the message of God's kingdom as good news and are eager to be a part of it. Many times, they jump in headfirst! They are willing to give up everything for this new way of life. But soon, troubles come knocking on their door, and they become disillusioned.
Isn't life with God supposed to be better than this? they think.
So often, we want the kingdom without the cross. We want the good gifts God gives us—the secure jobs, the happy marriages, the freedom to go to church without fear. But we recoil at the thought of following Jesus down the path of suffering.
When I think of rocky soil, I can't help but think of the Rock himself. Our friend Peter.
Peter loved Jesus deeply. He'd follow him anywhere. But Peter's heart grew troubled when Jesus started talking about suffering. He wanted Jesus to shut up about that and get back to being awesome! (Mark 8:31–38)
And then came the night of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Peter promised he'd stick by Jesus until the bitter end. But when chaos erupted, and the guards dragged Jesus away, he ran like a rabbit. (Maybe his nickname should have been Peter Rabbit.)
Later, as Peter warmed himself by a fire, some bystanders recognized him as one of Jesus' followers. A rush of fear jolted through his body, and he shouted, "A curse on me if I'm lying—I don't know this man you're talking about!" (Mark 14:71, NLT)
Like the seed that fell on rocky soil, Peter's faith "wilted under the hot sun" (v. 6) of life's troubles. I can't judge Peter for this because my faith has wilted over lesser things. I have never faced torture and death for following Jesus. But the everyday struggles of life have made me wonder if following Jesus is worth it.
So what is a Troubled Heart to do?
We cling to the full story of God's kingdom.
Yes, Jesus died to defeat the powers of death and darkness. But that doesn't mean we are guaranteed a life free from pain. Jesus promised the opposite! He said we would face troubles and suffering in this life.
But we can face those troubles head on because we know Jesus is in the mess with us. We long for the day when God’s kingdom will be fully realized on earth, and all will be set right. Until that time comes, we are called to pick up our crosses and follow Jesus into the dark and broken places of this world.
Any message about God's kingdom that doesn't include a cross is incomplete.
So often, I forget this and desire a life of comfort above everything else. My roots are shallow. And when I realize this, I feel ashamed.
But that's when I need to remember God's gentle grace. He can scoop me up in my fragile condition and replant me. That's what he did for Peter.
A few days after denying Jesus, Peter found himself around another fire. But this time, he was eating a fish and toast breakfast with Jesus! Jesus wasn't done with Peter. He had an important role for him to play in God's kingdom:
Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
"Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you."
"Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said. (John 21:16, NLT)
I believe Jesus strengthened Peter's roots that morning. And as Peter brought the message of God's kingdom to others, he was no stranger to trouble. He faced trials, hardships, and persecution.
Eventually, Peter was sentenced to death. Tradition says he requested to be crucified upside down. He didn't consider himself worthy to die the same way Jesus did.
How did Peter go from wanting no part of suffering to willingly hanging upside down on a torture device?
Only Jesus can do that.
Peter Rabbit became Peter the Rock!
If the problems of life have wilted your faith, you are not alone. We all face seasons of the Troubled Heart. And when we feel like we have nothing left, all we can do is look to the one who faced a world of trouble for us.
His grace and love will strengthen our weary hearts.
Questions to Ponder:
Can you relate to the Troubled Heart in any way?
What do you think it means to want "the kingdom without the cross"? How is this an incomplete view of the kingdom?
How can you encourage others who are going through times of trouble?
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