Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. Matthew 13:5-6, 20-21

Several years ago, a good friend of ours embarked on his first journey to the Holy Land. Upon his return, one of the earliest stories he shared was about the difficulty he encountered while walking in the desert. He said, “It’s tough to focus on anything other than the rocky ground. If you take your eyes off your feet, you’re bound to trip.” But this is not the kind of rocky terrain Jesus refers to in this parable.

In Judea, just below the surface where the plow breaks the ground, layers of limestone disrupt the potential for a thriving crop. Seeds can be sown into the warm soil and begin to germinate, but once their roots hit the rocky layer, they’re unable to penetrate any deeper. All the energy of the plant is forced upward. Initially, everything appears promising as the plant grows rapidly. The farmer might believe it’s the most fruitful harvest he has ever seen, yet the shallow soil yields a frail plant. After making a strong first impression, the plant ultimately withers away.

If I have a limestone foundation, spiritually, then I have a positive emotional reaction to spiritual things. I hear the message and feel enthusiastic, but ultimately, it remains an abstract idea. My roots fail to dig deep due to inadequate foundations, such as:

   • Major issues I prefer to overlook that stifle the Word.

• Blind spots I was unwilling to see, making the message difficult to accept.

• Stumbling blocks toward God that arose under pain and suffering. Past pain unearthed some bad theology about God’s character, leading me to cling to falsehoods.

What is the cure? Allow God to expose spiritual limestone. Through prayer, study, and meditation, God shines His light on what has been firmly embedded over time in my soul. Oftentimes, I don’t even know what’s down there, but God does. Though He brings conviction, grace follows closely. Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Psalm 85:10

My innermost being is completely known by You, Lord.  I invite You to enter, reveal, and then cultivate a soil bed free from rocks of offense.  Amen