The Sower, Part 2—If the Word Isn’t Rooted in You | Mark 4:5–6, 16–17
5 Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not
have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. 6 And when the sun
rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away.
16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the
ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17 And they have no
root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or
persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.
Why do people excited about God and the Bible walk away
without warning?
We’re continuing to study the parable of the sower, and
today we’re considering the seed that fell on rocky ground. A farmer may see soil, but the rocks lying
just beneath the surface will block roots from reaching the water table. As he broadcasts out the seed in that
direction, those plants may seem to spring up faster. Unfortunately, because the roots don’t go as
deep, they cannot withstand the normal heat of the day. Similarly, those in whom the Word of God lacks
deep rooting will have a superficial and ineffectual faith.
If the Word isn’t rooted
in Your heart, tribulation will make you fall away. Life’s short and full of trouble (Job
14:1), “but the Word of the Lord remains forever” (1 Pt 2:5). Jesus warns in John 16:33, “In the world you
will have tribulation,” but continues “take heart; I have overcome the world.” Sadly, those who don’t allow the Word to
penetrate deep into their hearts lack a faith capable of enduring life’s
sorrows—regardless of how involved in Bible studies and church fellowship they
may be.
If the Word isn’t rooted
in Your heart, persecution will also make you fall away. The early church experienced persecution
(a few examples would be Acts 4; 5:17–42; 21:27–36). This was no surprise, because Jesus not only
predicts persecution here and in other places, but He promises blessing because
of it (Mt 5:10–12). Be warned that those
perceived to live by the Word draw the ire of those living in the world, and sadly,
those who don’t have the Lord’s enduring strength will watch their faith
shrivel under the heat of ridicule and persecution.
How deep do you allow
the Bible to go? Are you learning Scripture
for prideful reasons, or do you respond to the conviction of Holy Spirit by repenting? Seek the Lord in prayer so that your faith
can endure tribulation and persecution, and allow “the word of Christ dwell in
you richly” (Col 3:16).
