No matter how good or perfect a seed is, the type of soil it falls on would determine whether it produces fruit or not, and the quality of fruit produced, if any.
God expects fruit from our lives, and Jesus taught us that the type of heart (soil) that the Word of God (seed) falls on determines whether we bear fruit or not. Let’s continue with that discussion…
STONY HEART ‘SOIL’
Mark 4:16-17 NKJV
“[16] These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; [17] and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble.”
The stony heart ‘soil’ represents the hearer who receives the word at a moment in time; but, it’s just that – a moment and not lasting. There is no depth in their hearts; therefore, although the word initially sprouts, it does not gain roots, let alone bear fruit. It is temporarily received and there is temporary excitement but no depth. The excitement only lasts till a challenge trouble, affliction comes on account of the word.
There are many who are glad to hear a good word from God through the scriptures, a sermon or prophecy; yet it does not benefit them. It is like they receive the word and swallow it whole without chewing and digesting it, so it does not profit them. They only endure for as long as the excitement or memory of the ‘taste’ is in their mouths and then lose or forget. Some endure for awhile, but not to the end, and so come short of the blessings promised to only those who persevere.
Psalm 105:19 NKJV
“Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.”
The problem is not the word of God; the problem is that the word is not given an opportunity to take root in the heart of the hearers. They don’t read and meditate on the word, to draw from it and let it sustain them. They make no settled decision towards the word, and develop no firm principles to continue and uphold the word.
The result is that when testings, trials and persecutions come regarding the word, they immediately forget, stumble or reject the word altogether; they abort the word without before it produces fruit in their lives.
REFLECTION:
Have you ever received a word or promise from the Lord regarding a need, perhaps, for provision, healing, your marriage or a wayward child? Do you remember the initial excitement you felt when you received the word? Then a few days or weeks later, things seemed to worsen regarding that particular need. The initial excitement that the word gave had faded and the problem was all you could see and think of. Soon you became fearful and anxious, and began to worry, grumble and murmur….?
Guess what, that was stony heart ‘soil.’ The word of God simply had no chance of producing fruit in your life, under such conditions. SELAH.
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)