Read Mark 4:5-6, 16-17
I Thought The Christian Life Was Supposed To Be Easy!?!
Jesus continues to tell the parable of the sower planting seeds on the different soils. So far we mentioned how some seed fell on hard ground by the road. Today, we talk about the seed that fell on Rocky ground.
Vs 5-6: The rocky ground does not have much soil. So when the seed falls amongst it, it immediately sprang up because it had no depth of soil. And after the sun had risen, the seed was scorched. So because it had no root and was unable to draw moisture from the soil, it withered away. It became good for nothing.
Verse 16-17: Jesus explains what this means in regards to our faith walk. Rocky soil represents a heart that is shallow, so when this person hears God’s word, they immediately receive it with joy. God’s word can be very captivating. People are drawn to it because of the Hope it gives us for today and for eternity. People are drawn to the power of God’s love demonstrated through his Son Jesus. There are a lot of reasons people are drawn immediately to the message of God’s salvation.
But because their faith is not grounded in a good understanding of God’s word, they quickly Fall away from their faith walk. People often associate faith in God as a life that is supposed to be trouble free. So when affliction or persecution comes against them, they quickly Fall away.
But Jesus said that in this world, we will have troubles, but he encourages us by saying persevere because he has overcome this world and we have victory in him.
Christians and non-christians are all living a troubled, and painful life. But the one who lives in Christ has the joy of knowing:
1. Jesus will walk with us through the times of affliction and persecution.
2. Jesus will use the times of pain and troubles in order to help us look more and more like Jesus.
Some people are quick to Fall away when persecuted because they desire the acceptance of people over the acceptance of God. This person can’t see the long-term benefits of persevering through rejection. A great reward awaits those who persevere through persecution. Those who desire acceptance of people over acceptance of God, don’t realize they are choosing the world over God. To do so makes yourself an enemy of God. James 4:4. Galatians 1:10. 0
Loneliness often comes with rejection and loneliness is very difficult to live through. People want friends. That’s why it’s extraordinarily important to surround ourselves with other Christians, be connected to a Christian family in church, and be grounded in God’s holy word – Daily. Not understanding God’s word sets yourself up to compromise with the world.
