“Rocky Places”

Matthew 13:5, 20-21

I have a question for you. When you read the words “rocky places” what do you think of? A mountain side? A meat locker in Philadelphia?  OK, probably not that second one, but you get the point. How you picture the “rocky places” will affect the way you see this part of Jesus teaching. Remember, the farmer went out to one of his own fields to plant this seed. Do you think a skilled farmer would then walk over to the side of a mountain covered in rocks and think that was a good idea? No. Obviously not. The “rocky places” were places in the field where there was a group of hard rocks shallowly buried beneath the surface of the ground. So, from the surface, the farmer couldn’t tell the difference between the good soil and the rocky places! The rocks were hidden beneath the surface. When we look at Jesus descriptio of what happens to the seeds that were on the rocky places, then we see the affect that hidden rocks had on the seed. My mentor has a great saying, “We are all broken. Some of us just hid it on the inside.” When we are actively sharing the Gospel with those God has put in our lives, we are completely unaware of the “rocks” that may be hiding beneath the surface of their hearts. We need to be aware of this and be ready to help them, love them, minister to them, and counsel them, so that they are able to “make roots” and get past the rocks in their past. 

Prayer:

Holy God, please help me to have a heart for those who may have “rocky” pasts. Use me as a tool to reach them and help them set down roots to learn more of You as Savior and Lord. Amen. 

Reflection:

Do you know someone who may have a “rocky” past with Christianity or the Church? Pray for them and reach out to them this week.