The seed on the rock

The seed on the rock

 The rocky soil represents the shallow hearers of the Word. These go a step further than those along the path. They do actually receive the Word. Perhaps you are troubled by the thought of Satan’s ability to come and snatch the Word. Understand that Satan can’t take anything the believing hearer claims. Once we’ve received the Word, it’s out of his reach. He can try to distort our understanding of it, but he cannot steal it. However, we can give it up by our own volition.

The rocky soil didn’t just receive the Word. It received the Word with joy! How eye-opening to realize that we can hear the Word and receive it joyfully, yet never let it penetrate the depths.

The shallow hearer believes . . . until the time of testing (v. 13). What a terrible shame! We miss one of life’s most awesome experiences if we don’t see God’s Word stand up under our trial. He wants to show us it works. He wants to show us He works! If we stop believing, we will never know the power and faithfulness of God.