18 Listen then to what the parable of the Sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

Why would Jesus tell a farming story that most people know all about? Jesus was making it clear that unless you are receptive to God's truth you won't get anything out of it. Spiritually we understand what was going on. The Holy Spirit works on our hearts to convict us and teach us spiritual truth.

He speaks to the Stubborn Heart The one which the seed was scattered reveals very hard, trodden down soil. These people are never moved by the Gospel. The birds snatching up the seed (the gospel) speaks of Satan and his spiritual forces.

Some become hard towards church. They may have been hurt by a comment someone had said. Satan will take that seed of desire and interest in faith and replace it with bitterness toward the hypocrites.

Hardness affects one’s own relationship with Jesus. They just are not interested after a while in things of the Lord. When we resist the Spirit's knocking on our hearts, He eventually stops knocking. They are not interested. There is a rebellious, un-submissive attitude towards God. Their definition of right and wrong grows out of their own personal desires, feelings, and circumstances.

Then there are Shallow Hearts. "Rocky" reveals not much depth of soil. These people make quick changes and then fall. The sun represents persecution or struggles in life. They recognize that there is some truth to what Jesus teaches. There might be an immediate response. It is exciting. It is the best thing that could possibly happen to them, but Jesus warns many have a short-lived faith because it is shallow. Soon trouble or persecution comes because of the Word and they quickly fall away.

What are the rocks that interfere with Spiritual Growth? The heart is shallow. Christianity is looked on by many as a good deal that will bring happiness and success. If it doesn't, then forget it. There is no place in the Bible that says the Christian walk is easy or fun. In fact, every book in the Bible talks about troubles and hardships. No one should be so naive to think otherwise than your “name it and claim it” people or success driven ministries. Do not be deceived, there is nothing that Satan would rather do than take those who have responded to the Word and give them extra difficulties in order for them to give up on the faith.

The shallow hearted have little depth in their faith. It's okay to be a Christian on Sundays, but not the rest of the week. Shallow folks don't join in any small groups or Sunday School activities to help them grow. They listen to others pray, but don't pray themselves. To develop roots people need to use their faith when the going gets tough by watering and nurturing that faith by prayer, service, Bible study and fellowship in a church.      

Shallow folks don't exercise their own muscles but want to watch others do it. They wait for others to come to them but not go to help others.

Application:  If you are not a part of something at church, consider joining – Sunday School, Bible Study or a committee that serves.   Your seed of faith will grow.  

Prayer:  Lord, deepen my faith.  I desire to know You and Your Word so that Your Spirit becomes my driving force in life.