The Parable Explained 2

Scripture:  Luke 8:9-18

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. 13 The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. 14 The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. 15 And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. 16 “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. 17 For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all. 18 “So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.” (Luke 8:11,13-18 NLT)

Rocky Soil. In Central Oregon, where I live, one of the primary features in the geologic development of the region has been volcanic activity. The Cascade mountain range, just to our west, is a string of mostly dormant volcanoes stretching from southern Canada to northern California. So our soil is shallow and very rocky. Driving through our area you can see entire fences made of stacked volcanic rocks and most farms and pastures have a rock pile or piles across the property. The early settlers cleared the rocks from the fields and built them into fences. Bit by bit, the soil improved and the land became more usable. It’ll never be as good for farming as the rich dark soil of the Willamette Valley on the other side of the mountains. But it got better!

Friends, I’ve discovered that there are not only hard “footpath” places that need to be softened, there are also rocky, shallow-soil places in my life. But I’m one of the “willing to listen” followers of Jesus. And I’m learning that when I say “Yes” to the convicting voice of the Spirit, those rocks can be cleared away. If you’re reading this, then you, like me, have a heart that says “Yes” to Jesus. Every time you repent (Saying “Yes, Jesus, I choose your way.”), rocks are removed and soil gets deeper and richer. It gets better!

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for your seemingly infinite (inexhaustible?) patience with me as we journey together. Thank you that as the rocks work their way to the surface of my soul, you help me pull them out and put them aside. The soil of my life isn’t yet what we both want it to be, and it isn’t yet what it’s going to be, but by your grace it isn’t what it used to be!