The Shallow Christian
What is the condition of your heart? Jesus speaks about four kinds of heart in one of the parables he told. Each one he compares to a different soil – one is hard, another is shallow, another thorn infested, and the last is good soil. We often call this story, ‘The Parable of the Sower’, although Jesus’ main focus is the soil!
Let’s look at the shallow soil. As the farmer throws his seed across the ground some falls on soil that is very shallow. Rock is just under the surface. It is surprising how much of the ground in Israel really is rocky. Those listening to Jesus tell this story must have been nodding their heads.
When seed falls on shallow soil like this it may begin to grow, but as soon as it gets too hot, the tiny plants shrivel up as they can’t send their roots down deep enough to get water. What is Jesus saying about people like this? “The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.”
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Are You Hard Ground?
What is the condition of your heart? Jesus describes four different kinds of heart in one of his well-known parables, often called, the Parable of the Sower. A parable is a story about everyday life that Jesus uses to illustrate spiritual truths and so let’s look at this story and see what Jesus wants to show us.
One day a farmer sows his seeds, and as he does some falls on hardened soil, some on shallow soil, some on thorn infested soil, and some on good soil. Seed represents the Word of God, while the soil represents the condition of people’s hearts.
Let’s begin with the hardened soil. As people trampled on the ground it became hard, and the seed couldn’t penetrate, so the birds came and had a feast! This is one of the few parables where Jesus tells us the meaning. In Matthew 13:19 he says, “When anyone hears the message about the Kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.”
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Don’t Be Troubled
Trouble seems to be all around us! Covid-19 has had a devastating impact in many countries, affecting people’s lives in countless ways.
Just before Jesus was arrested, he spoke some astounding words to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled”. Then he repeated the same words, adding, “And do not be afraid.”
When facing danger, death and pain, how is it possible not be to troubled or afraid? Jesus tells us. He goes on to give some wonderful promises to his disciples, promises that are for us too. These are all found in John chapters 14 to 16. First of all, was the promise that one day Jesus would return for those who belong to him, so we can live with him forever in his Father’s House. When we know Jesus Christ, our future is sure. We do not need to fear!
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