Introduction. In His parable of the sower, Jesus revealed the four types of people who would “stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (2Cor. 5:10). Using soils that are (1) hard and unplowed, (2) rocky/stony, (3) with thorn seeds, and (4) are good ground, He sized up every man and woman. We would be wise to take His words to heart and use them as a lens through which we see our life and the lives of those we love.
The more we consider this parable, the deeper it can lead us into knowing ourselves. Although the parable was clearly designed to describe the initial hearing of the gospel, it is evident that the last three extend beyond our conversion.
Those with (2) rocky/stony heart begin their growth when they heard God’s word (the seed). Jesus looked beyond to the progress they would make. They would “believe for awhile.” Whether weeks, months, years or even decades later, they continued until a time of temptation when persecution or tribulation arise.” When that day came, they would “stumble/fall away.” Also, those with (3) “thorn seeds” also heard and accepted the word and later “become unfruitful.” This too could be weeks, months or years later. Over time, “the cares, riches and pleasures of life” distract them and they became unfruitful.
The more we consider this parable, the deeper it can lead us into knowing ourselves. Although the parable was clearly designed to describe the initial hearing of the gospel, it is evident that the last three extend beyond our conversion.
Those with (2) rocky/stony heart begin their growth when they heard God’s word (the seed). Jesus looked beyond to the progress they would make. They would “believe for awhile.” Whether weeks, months, years or even decades later, they continued until a time of temptation when persecution or tribulation arise.” When that day came, they would “stumble/fall away.” Also, those with (3) “thorn seeds” also heard and accepted the word and later “become unfruitful.” This too could be weeks, months or years later. Over time, “the cares, riches and pleasures of life” distract them and they became unfruitful.
Can These Hearts be Changed? The greatest question is whether these things are fixed and absolute or having become aware of their danger in our own heart can we change them? Are we fixed soils, or living hearts of flesh? God promised everyone: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” (Ezek. 36:26-28).
Since everyone who obeys the gospel is given the promise of a fleshly heart and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, anyone at any time after their conversion who sees their danger and flees could change this outcome! With God’s grace and mercy, and the gospel’s “power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16), all who heed Jesus’ warning could in fact change the outcome.
No Root in Themselves!
This is not something we can avoid. Every Christian is at risk of these rocks and stones. Each of us must prepare and find this root as quickly as possible. Since Jesus said these “endure only for a while,” gaining endurance is the key. The Hebrews were told: “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Heb. 10:36-39) and “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1).
Endurance is the Key. Every athlete is aware of this truth. The pain of pushing past what we are today makes us stronger tomorrow. All Olympic contenders know how to remove the rocks and stones to become great. They train to push past pain and setbacks. The joy of victory diminishes the agony of training. Jesus felt exactly the same way: “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The joy of victory led him to despise and endure the sacrifices.
Paul said the same thing: “we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Rom. 5:3-5). Paul took this into his heart: “I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2Cor. 12:10).
James also warned us to learn to see it like this: “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” He concluded with “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (Jas. 1:2-6).
Conclusion If we don’t want to stand before our Savior in the condition of those with a heart full of stones, we must take these things to heart. When sacrifices become too hard to make, we must gain the endurance to accept them with joy and pleasure. They are a necessary step toward the salvation of our souls. “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul” (Heb. 10:38-39). The choice is within us.
Since everyone who obeys the gospel is given the promise of a fleshly heart and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, anyone at any time after their conversion who sees their danger and flees could change this outcome! With God’s grace and mercy, and the gospel’s “power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16), all who heed Jesus’ warning could in fact change the outcome.
No Root in Themselves!
- “But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles” (Mt. 13:20)
This is not something we can avoid. Every Christian is at risk of these rocks and stones. Each of us must prepare and find this root as quickly as possible. Since Jesus said these “endure only for a while,” gaining endurance is the key. The Hebrews were told: “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Heb. 10:36-39) and “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1).
Endurance is the Key. Every athlete is aware of this truth. The pain of pushing past what we are today makes us stronger tomorrow. All Olympic contenders know how to remove the rocks and stones to become great. They train to push past pain and setbacks. The joy of victory diminishes the agony of training. Jesus felt exactly the same way: “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The joy of victory led him to despise and endure the sacrifices.
Paul said the same thing: “we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Rom. 5:3-5). Paul took this into his heart: “I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2Cor. 12:10).
James also warned us to learn to see it like this: “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” He concluded with “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (Jas. 1:2-6).
Conclusion If we don’t want to stand before our Savior in the condition of those with a heart full of stones, we must take these things to heart. When sacrifices become too hard to make, we must gain the endurance to accept them with joy and pleasure. They are a necessary step toward the salvation of our souls. “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul” (Heb. 10:38-39). The choice is within us.